CBC/Radio-Canada, NFB and The Historica-Dominion Institute programming
available on-board VIA Rail trains
TORONTO, March 11, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada has partnered
with CBC/Radio-Canada, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and The
Historica-Dominion Institute to announce the On-board Entertainment initiative, an interactive digital platform providing passengers on VIA
Rail trains free access to Canadian programming. Starting in Spring
2013, the new interactive digital platform will provide passengers on
VIA Rail trains within the Québec City - Windsor corridor free access
to Canadian programming, including CBC/Radio-Canada TV shows programs,
documentaries and animation from the NFB, and "Heritage Minutes"
vignettes and Memory Project veteran interviews produced by The
Historica-Dominion Institute.
"Over the past two years, VIA Rail passengers have become accustomed to
world-class Wi-Fi on our trains. Today, we are pleased to extend our
Wi-Fi offer with entertainment and information produced by Canadians,
for Canadians. Canadian culture is known for its rich diversity
demonstrated by the artistic creativity of its people. Canadians can be
proud of the many artisans, authors, actors and producers who create
distinctive, original and innovative audiovisual works that honour them
on the international stage. VIA Rail Canada is happy to promote them to
its passengers," stated Marc Laliberté, President and Chief Executive
Officer of VIA Rail Canada.
By offering VIA Rail customers the chance to watch movies, television
shows and news programs presented in the country's two official
languages, the On-board Entertainment system will promote high quality Canadian productions.
VIA Rail's On-Board Entertainment portal is the only system of its kind on a train in North America. It
will present movies and other programming from the NFB and
CBC/Radio-Canada collections, in addition to regular daily newscasts
from CBC/Radio-Canada. Over time, this interactive digital platform
will host other Canadian content from participating organizations.
"This partnership with VIA Rail is yet another way for us to reach
Canadians when, where and how they want," said CBC/Radio-Canada
President and CEO Hubert T. Lacroix. "Not only does it attest to the
high quality and rich variety of our programming, but it's a superb
opportunity for the public broadcaster to bring its news and general
programming to a wider audience in both English and French."
"Well before Twitter and Facebook, the railroad was the quintessential
network bringing Canadians together", added Tom Perlmutter, Government
Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson. "As symbol and as reality our
VIA Rail train network has proved enduring and necessary. So we are
delighted to partner with VIA Rail and CBC/Radio-Canada, to strengthen
the ties that bind us together in ways that innovate, delight and
inform. I applaud VIA Rail for this bold and imaginative initiative
that truly serves Canadians."
"We are delighted to be offering the Heritage Minutes collection and
other history programming as part of VIA Rail's new on-board
experience," said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President of The
Historica-Dominion Institute. "This is a tremendous opportunity to
share Canadian stories with travellers across the country."
The On-board Entertainment initiative required a total investment of
$543,000 by VIA Rail. This program is part of VIA Rail's modernization
plan launched in 2007, and was made possible by the nearly $1 billion
in capital funding announced by the Government of Canada since 2007 to
rebuild aging equipment, refurbish stations, upgrade infrastructure,
improve accessibility and support critical information technology
projects. This investment includes $407 million under the Economic
Action Plan and $60 million in Budget 2012.
Watch our video at http://youtu.be/0ujZpepHwfA.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada (cbc.radio-canada.ca) is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest
cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching
Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio,
television, Internet and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the
regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer
diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight
Aboriginal languages.
About the NFB
The National Film Board of Canada creates groundbreaking, interactive
works, social-issue documentaries and auteur animation. The NFB's
award-winning content can be seen at NFB.ca and on apps for smartphones, tablets and connected TV. Canada's public
producer and distributor since 1939, the NFB has created over 13,000
productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 6 Webbys, 12 Oscars
and more than 90 Genies.
About The Historica-Dominion Institute
The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest, independent charitable
organization dedicated to promoting Canadian history, citizenship and
identity. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through
a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and
stories of Canada. Visit www.historica-dominion.ca.
About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate
is to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective passenger
transportation in the country's two official languages. The Company
operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking 450
communities across its 12,500-kilometre network. Recipient of the RAC's
Safety Award in 2012 for the 11th time in 12 years, and of the 2012 Agent's Choice Award voted on by
Canadian travel agents and presented by Baxter Travel Media, VIA safely
transports nearly four million passengers annually. Since 2007, the
Government of Canada has provided VIA Rail with nearly one billion
dollars in capital investment funding. Follow the evolution of current
projects at viarail.ca/transformingvia.
Follow us... Evolution Blog at viaevolution.ca - On Twitter @VIA_rail - On Facebook
SOURCE: VIA RAIL CANADA INC.
