First Nations citizens across Manitoba need access to reliable public transportation services
October 31, 2018
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, MB _ Greyhound Canada rural route services end at midnight tonight. First Nations citizens living across Manitoba rely on this essential service.
Last week the federal government announced it is providing bridge funding for two years to help fill the gap left by Greyhound Canada. However, the government did not say how much funding it was providing or who would receive it. Several smaller bus companies are stepping up to replace the Greyhound routes.
“The federal government should support First Nation companies that are offering this vital service. First Nation citizens rely heavily on bus service to get to medical appointments and to attend post-secondary schools in the north. Access to healthcare and education are Treaty rights,” said Grand Chief Arlen Dumas.
It will take time for the companies taking over services left by Greyhound to iron out kinks and begin to run smoothly.
“This is a vital service that should not be disrupted,” said Grand Chief Dumas. “First Nations citizens need reliable bus transportation for a variety of reasons, including being able to access medical services in urban centres,” said Grand Chief Dumas.
“With First Nations companies rising to the challenge of providing safe, reliable services, we would hope that all levels of government work with our First Nation leadership and communities in order to support these economic development opportunities while providing our citizens with the basic right to transportation, particularly our northern relatives.”