I don't think you appreciate that transportation agencies don't govern themselves on cheap populist soundbites like "walking dead locos".
They are a business, and so money will guide the decision making process. New equipment will be procured if it is the cheaper choice. On the other hand, second hand equipment will be purchased, or old stock refurbished, if that comes down to being the more economical choice. This is it. There is no secret conspiracy to disgrace the Canadian rail industry, or purposefully withhold new equipment from passengers out of spite, it is an economic move to save money.
Now I will disclose I do not, obviously, have access to any operator's financial information and to see what they are or aren't thinking. But if the decision making process ends up favouring old equipment, are you willing to pay extra fare to get new equipment? In times of inflation like this, we should be avoiding frivolous spending. If we can get a better deal through second hand or refurbishing, we should be doing just that.