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Canada Commits $3.9 Billion to High-Speed Rail Project Connecting Toronto and Quebec City

The 1,000-kilometer electric rail network aims to halve travel times, reduce emissions, and boost economic growth, but its future depends on political support beyond Trudeau's tenure.

Justin Trudeau announced the project on Wednesday.
A map of the Toronto-Quebec high-speed rail corridor proposed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Overview

  • The Canadian government has pledged $3.9 billion over six years to develop the Alto high-speed rail network, connecting Toronto to Quebec City with stops in cities like Ottawa, Montreal, and Trois-Rivières.
  • Trains on the 1,000-kilometer line will reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, cutting travel times in half and making train travel more competitive with air travel in the region.
  • The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with estimates of up to $27 billion over 60 years, while also creating 51,000 jobs during construction.
  • The fully electric rail system is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate road congestion in the heavily populated Ontario-Quebec corridor.
  • The project's long-term future is uncertain as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepares to step down, leaving its continuation dependent on support from future political leaders.