Exactly!
Equipment was even branded as ‘VIA CN’ for the first couple of years until VIA Rail Canada Inc was formed as a separate Crown Corporation.
Here’s the first ‘VIA CN’ Timetable from April 1976. ... r
I've run across some more transition period consists (great for scale modelers who have a mish-mash of equipment).
CPR Train 302 of 13 Dec 77 departing South Edmonton on time
Dayliner 9105 - CP
CNR Train 9 of 27 Dec 77 arriving Jasper from Edmonton with white flags
Freight unit - CN
Freight unit - CN
Heater car - VIA
Baggage - VIA
Baggage-Cafe - CN (deadhead?)
Coach - CN
Coach - CN5456
Diner - CN1349
Sleeper - 'Green Point' - VIA
Business - 'Peace River' - NAR
VIA Train 3 departing Edmonton on 28 Jul 79 at 17h35
Engine - VIA6506 (A)
Engine - VIA6615 (B)
Engine - VIA6607 (B)
Baggage - VIA9616
Sleeper - 'Riviere Cloche' - VIA (as dorm?)
Coach - VIA5458
Coach - VIA5474
Cafe - VIA761
Coach - VIA5714 (Daynighter?)
Sleeper - 'Englee' - VIA
Sleeper - 'Endcliffe' - CN
Sleeper - 'Green Cabin' - VIA
Diner - VIA1377
Lounge - CN hvywt 'Bonsoir' replacing CN ex-Milwaukee Road "Jasper'
Sleeper - 'Drummond Manor' - CP
Sleeper - "Chateau Maisonneuve - VIA
The notes on Train 3 were not very legible, but these give an idea of the transition.
VIA Train 302 of 17 Aug 79 departing South Edmonton 3 minutes late. Further time lost sawing around a freight blocking the main line in the yard.
Engine - VIA1416 (A)
Baggage-Dormitory CP600 (though no checked baggage service)
Coach - CP104 (60 seats)
This substituted for an RDC-2 damaged in a grade crossing accident with farm machinery near Didsbury, Alberta.