The BC Government has made public a freedom of information request on the E&N Rail line that was originally requested by a lawyer.
While the exact lawyer who wanted it and for what purpose isn't known, we can see that the request asks for documents related to the Transportation Minister's commitment of $7-million dollars and the government’s review of the rain line.
Within the nearly 800 pages of information are staff reports that detail several concerns, including the opinion that the business case for passenger rail was inadequate. In one quote, ministry staff state their conclusion that "the rail line is not viable from a business perspective."
Government staff also advised the minister that proposed track repair work would not be enough to bring it up to safety standards and, as a result, further funding requests should be expected.
The provincial funding has never actually been handed over, as it was contingent on matching federal funding that still hasn't been confirmed. Trains haven't operated on the E&N rail line between Victoria and Courtney since 2011.