Conservative government would eliminate plans for Alto high-speed rail
‘We will save Canadians $90 billion, or $8,000 per family. We will use the savings to lower debt, taxes and inflation,’ Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said during a press conference on the Alto high speed rail project. / SCREENSHOT
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the federal government’s proposed high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City a “monstrosity,” “ridiculous” and a “boondoggle,” and pledged to cancel it if elected prime minister.
Speaking in Peterborough, Ont., he said, “The $90 billion Alto project is another example of a ridiculous, pie-in-the-sky Liberal spending initiative that has that only gotten worse under Prime Minister Carney,” and added, “I am confirming that a future Conservative government will cancel this $90 billion boondoggle altogether. We will save Canadians $90 billion, or $8,000 per family. We will use the savings to lower debt, taxes and inflation.”
The Alto Crown corporation proposes a 1,000-kilometre electric rail line between Toronto and Quebec City costing between $60 billion and $90 billion, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h and reducing travel times between major cities.
Poilievre repeated concerns about land expropriation, saying, “The Carney Liberals will confiscate farmland and private property, disrupting communities and harming the quality of life of local residents, who will not even get to use the train because it won’t have any stops near their homes,” while opposing planned routes that have sparked resistance from rural municipalities and farming groups.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said on social media that Poilievre is “showing Canadians that he has no vision to create jobs and grow the economy”.
“For decades, Canadians have advocated for a modern, fast, inter-city rail network,” said MacKinnon. “Alto is a generational investment that will transform travel and connect communities. It will boost GDP by $35 billion annually, create over 51,000 well-paying jobs, and help Canadians work, study and travel more efficiently”.
“Investing in high-speed rail means building a more connected, competitive Canada, and proves Canada can get big things done,” he said. “The Conservatives, as usual, think small.”
