The Crows Nest Pass Railway was built, thereby facilitating the development of the immense mineral resources of interior British Columbia—in the Kootenay District.
The Intercolonial Railway which had its Western terminus in what was then a comparatively small town, namely Levis, was badly handicapped in securing traffic from the West, and was extended to Montreal, the commercial metropolis of the country.
Later on the construction of the Transcontinental Railway was entered upon and was well on towards completion, when the Liberals went out of office in 1911.
By means of Government guarantees and subsidies a third Transcontinental Railway, the Canadian Northern Railway was made possible.
Immigrants to the number of nearly 2,000,000 were brought into the country in fifteen years, a large number of whom went on the land resulting in a magnificent development of the West and North-West.
Free land grants to railways were discontinued and the public lands were reserved for the actual settlers.
Ocean ports, harbours and rivers were vastly improved. A 30-foot clear channel was provided in the St. Lawrence from Montreal to Quebec.
Postal rates were reduced substantially, and the Money Order system simplified and extended.
Free Rural mail delivery was established.
Canal and steam boat duties were abolished in the interest of promoting cheap transportation by water.