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| Ronald Martel |
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LAC-MÉGANTIC, Quebec — Robert Bellefleur, spokesperson for the Citizens’ Coalition and Groups Committee for Rail Safety, delivers petitions to Mayor Colette Roy Laroche here Sept. 21. Close to half the population of 6,000 has signed the petition, demanding the City Council go to court to get an injunction barring the Central Maine and Quebec Railway from hauling hazardous cargo until the company repairs its unsafe tracks crisscrossing the town.
The Citizens’ Coalition was set up following the July 6, 2013, oil train derailment and explosion that killed 47 people. The 80 people attending applauded as the mayor accepted the petition. A temporary ban on crude oil train shipments through the town expires in January 2016, after which the rail company is expected to restart shipments of the highly volatile cargo. “The mayor said that the Council would consult its lawyers and make a decision on the demands in a few days,” coalition member André Blais told the Militant. “If the City Council decides not to act then the coalition itself will consider going to court for the injunction.” The Citizens’ Coalition has called a march for Oct. 11 to back up the demands, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Lac-Mégantic Sports Centre. For information, contact infosecurail154@gmail.com. |
| — JOHN STEELE |