QUESTION PERIOD — Transport
High-Speed Rail
June 3, 2026
Hello, Senator Moreau. I rise today as the Alto project speeds ahead. Eastern Ontario is deeply engaged in the conversation about where the rail line will be built, how communities will be impacted and whether bypassed towns and cities will benefit at all from this project. Clarence-Rockland Mayor Mario Zanth said recently that nation building shouldn’t be community dividing.
As “No Alto” signs pop up next to farms and homes and groups organize to rally on Parliament Hill next week, I’m wondering: What does constructive, meaningful engagement actually look like? How can we ensure nation building doesn’t divide communities, both figuratively and geographically?
I think that we will agree, Senator Clement, that building the first high-speed rail network in Canada is a generational project that will stimulate our economy, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and deliver to Canadians a transportation system deserving of a major economy.
Alto has hosted open houses and provided forums for individuals to share their feedback on the high-speed rail project. Since January 2026, over 10,000 Canadians have attended consultations on the project and taken part in discussions. Alto and the government are still working on the route and alignment, and as soon as a decision is made, I’m sure it will be shared with the communities.
As the project progresses to its next phase, the government will work closely with community and local authorities to provide opportunities for input and engagement as it strives for a balance between property rights, infrastructure development and —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
We can agree that high-speed rail is way past due. I was mayor of a city served by VIA Rail Canada. Our train station isn’t staffed, went years without upgrades and often feels forgotten by VIA Rail. Cornwall, like many communities in this country, would benefit greatly from improved intercity transit options, and Alto isn’t going to provide those benefits to some of us.
Has this government committed to maintaining or even improving transportation networks, like VIA Rail, that may see a decline in ridership once high-speed rail is operational?
I can assure you, Senator Clement, that the government continues to work closely with VIA Rail and other partners in the railway industry to provide good services.
The government believes that Canadians must have access to a safe, reliable and modern rail system, as it is integral to connecting communities and supporting our economy.
My understanding is that, since Alto’s alignment is not defined yet, it won’t change anything as far as VIA Rail is concerned.
