OTTAWA –  Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, is pleased to announce the third year of VIA Rail’s Canadian Forces Family Appreciation fares to celebrate the contribution made to the country by Canada’s military personnel and veterans. “Our government is proud to support VIA’s initiative in its third year,” Benoit said last week. “This is a great opportunity to show our troops and their families that we are very proud of them, and that we appreciate their work.”

Benoit went on to describe the appreciation program: “Between July 1 and August 14, 2010, active or retired Canadian Forces personnel and veterans will be entitled to free Economy class rail travel on selected trains across the entire VIA network. In addition, Canadian Forces personnel and veterans will be eligible for a 25% discount off the best available fares for travel in both Business and Sleeper class.

“Each active or retired Canadian Forces member may also bring up to five immediate family members with them, at a 25% discount off the best available fare in any class of service. The Canadian Forces Family Appreciation fare can also be combined with VIA’s children’s summer travel discounts.”
Last year, almost 17,000 current and retired Canadian Forces members took advantage of VIA’s initiative.

“This program will allow our armed forces members, past and present, to visit Canada’s diverse communities, as well as their family and friends,” Benoit concluded. “The work of the Canadian forces is invaluable, and we are proud to show our support for them through this initiative.”