Agricultural producers from Mirabel, Argenteuil, and Deux-Montagnes, alongside citizen organizations from Ontario and Quebec, will hold a peaceful demonstration in front of the Canadian Parliament on June 10, 2026, to oppose Alto's high-speed rail (HSR) project. The event is organized by UPA - Outaouais-Laurentides - Argenteuil, a local union of agricultural producers.
Purpose of the Demonstration
The demonstration aims to raise awareness among elected officials and the public about the severe impacts the HSR project would have on the agricultural sector and affected municipalities. These impacts include potential expropriations, disruption to farm operations, and negative effects on local businesses, the natural environment, and community vitality. The proposed route of the rail line would have significant consequences for agricultural operations and surrounding properties.
Event Details
The peaceful protest will begin at noon on June 10, 2026, in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Agricultural producers and citizen representatives from Quebec and Ontario will speak at the start of the event to articulate their concerns and demands.
Participating Organizations
In addition to local unions affiliated with the UPA, several citizen organizations will join the demonstration, including:
- ALTNO Association
- Farmers affected by Alto Association (FAAA)
- Coalition for Better Rail
- Groupe d’opposition au TGV d’Alto
- North Belleville Against Alto
- Rideau Lakes Against Alto
- Save Stone Mills
- Tyendinaga Township Landowners Coalition
About UPA Local Unions
UPA local unions bring together agricultural producers within the territory of the regional county municipality (RCM) they represent. These unions provide a vital forum for grassroots involvement, allowing producers to express their views, benefit from peer experience and solidarity, and actively contribute to the defense and promotion of agriculture.
The demonstration underscores the growing opposition to the Alto HSR project, which critics argue threatens agricultural land and local economies. Organizers hope the protest will prompt government officials to reconsider the project's route and mitigate its adverse effects on farming communities.
