It remains unclear whether this project will remain a priority or even survive the looming federal election. Pictured: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Photo Credit: Justin Trudeau/X.
In what appears to be more political lip service than substantive policy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled a high-speed rail plan connecting Toronto and Quebec City just weeks before his tenure comes to an end. With a new Liberal leader and Prime Minister set to be elected by party members in just 12 days, it remains unclear whether this project will remain a priority or even survive the looming federal election.
The proposed rail line, named Alto, would stretch approximately 1,000 kilometers with stops in key cities including Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval, and Trois-Rivières. Trains would be fully electrified and capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, reducing the travel time between Toronto and Montreal to just three hours—roughly half of what it takes today. However, there are no guarantees that Alto will ever become reality, especially given the political winds of Ottawa.
The federal government has committed $3.9 billion over six years to a co-development phase, which will include designing the project, conducting environmental assessments, engaging with Indigenous communities, and determining land acquisition needs. However, with no final cost estimate for construction and it is widely believed that the final price tag will be between $60 billion and $90 billion.
The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows. With the Liberal Party poised to elect a new leader, and a federal election expected soon thereafter, the fate of Alto remains highly uncertain. Even if the incoming Liberal leader chooses to champion the project, they may not be in power long enough to see it through. A change in government could easily mean another shelved infrastructure dream, much like past Liberal promises.
This announcement follows a well-worn pattern of Trudeau’s government making grand promises that fail to materialize. While Canada desperately needs improved transit infrastructure—anyone who has taken a VIA train or GO bus can attest to this—rolling out an ambitious, costly plan mere weeks before leaving office is, at best, disingenuous.
Beyond the political theater, the economic implications are also uncertain. The private sector’s involvement in financing and operating the rail system raises questions about cost control and project feasibility. While public-private partnerships can help share financial risk, they can also lead to inflated costs and delays, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for a project that may never be fully realized.
Despite the political posturing, there is no denying that Canada needs modernized transit solutions. High-speed rail could alleviate congestion, reduce emissions, and improve economic productivity—if implemented properly. However, making such a grand announcement in the dying days of an administration, knowing full well it may never see the light of day, only serves to toy with Canadians’ hopes rather than offer real progress.
For now, Canadians will have to wait and see if Alto becomes a reality or just another chapter in the long list of unfulfilled promises from this government.
Daniel Perry is the Director of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators, leading national advocacy and engagement efforts. With experience in consulting and roles at the Senate of Canada, Queen’s Park, and the Canadian Criminal Justice Association, Daniel has helped political leaders and clients across various sectors achieve their public policy goals. A frequent media contributor and seasoned campaigner, Daniel holds a Master of Political Management from Carleton University.
