Paul Côté, speaker at the Quebec Quality of Life Summit: "More and more we<br>will see passenger trains take a predominant place in the transportation<br>mix."

MONTREAL, Nov. 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Via Rail Canada's President and chief executive officer, Paul Côté, shared his quality of life vision this morning at a conference organized as part of the first edition of the Quality of Life Summit, taking place today in Montreal.

Mr. Côté, who will be retiring shortly after 38 years in passenger rail service, predicted that, "as time goes on and environmental concerns become ever more important, passenger trains will take a predominant place in the transportation mix. With the environment becoming the priority, passenger rail is an obvious environmentally friendly choice."

This key event included real estate industry stakeholders from all across Canada as well as various leaders who each have a vision of what Quality of Life represents. Biologist and filmmaker Jean Lemire and Liberal MP Justin Trudeau were also speakers at the Summit.

The president and CEO also described the many advantages of train travel, such as relaxation, a good on-board meal, and being able to work with complete peace of mind - which are all part of the quality of life train travel can offer.

    
    To read Paul Côté's address in its entirety, click on the link below:
    http://www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail/media-room/speeches
    

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, both in Canada's business corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, hassle-free and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports. In 2008, VIA safely transported 4.6 million passengers - the most since 1989 - and set an all-time record of $299 million in revenue.

For further information: Elizabeth Huart, Via Rail Canada Inc., [phone]