OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Government of Canada and VIA Rail have announced the third year of VIA Rail’s Canadian Forces Family Appreciation fares to celebrate the contributions made to the country by Canada’s military personnel and veterans.

Between July 1st and August 14th, 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.

“We as Canadians can stand proud because of the efforts of our men and women in uniform.  The introduction of this special offer, in partnership with VIA, is just one simple way we can honour the members of the Canadian Forces and their families.” Said Tilly O’Neill Gordon. “It’s also a great way to show how proud we are of the work they have done in the past and will continue to do in the future.”

Close to 17, 000 current or retired Canadian Forces personnel took advantage of VIA’s initiative to honour them with a special fare in 2009.