Poilievre Pledges to Scrap Liberals' Alto High-Speed Rail Project if Elected Prime Minister
Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to cancel the Liberal government's proposed high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City if he becomes prime minister, labeling it a "monstrosity" and a "boondoggle." Speaking from a farm in Peterborough, Ontario, Poilievre criticized the Alto project as costly, disruptive, and unnecessary, with initial estimates ranging from $60 billion to $90 billion upon completion.
Costs and Opposition Mount for Alto Rail Initiative
The Alto high-speed rail project, proposed by Crown corporation Alto, aims to build a fully electric railroad over 1,000 kilometers long, connecting Toronto and Quebec City with stops in Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval, and Trois-Rivières. Trains are projected to reach speeds up to 300 km/h, potentially halving travel times between cities like Ottawa and Montreal. However, the project has sparked significant backlash from rural communities in Quebec and Ontario, particularly among farmers, due to potential expropriations required for dedicated tracks.
Poilievre emphasized his commitment to scrapping the project, stating, "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." He argued that the initiative exemplifies excessive Liberal spending under Prime Minister Carney and accused it of being a "Liberal land grab" that threatens farmers' livelihoods.
Rural Communities Voice Concerns Over Expropriations
Opposition to the Alto project has grown, with rural residents expressing fears over land seizures. In Mirabel, Quebec, a city that previously faced expropriations for a failed airport project, locals are resisting new potential ejections. Additionally, the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus recently passed a motion opposing the project, citing insufficient municipal consultation, unclear impacts on rural and small-urban areas, potential environmental effects, and misalignment with existing infrastructure priorities.
The Liberals have taken steps to advance the project, including passing a budget bill that grants Alto sweeping powers to accelerate land acquisition or expropriation. Despite this, Poilievre's stance resonates with critics who view the project as overly ambitious and detrimental to affected communities. As debates continue, the future of the Alto high-speed rail remains uncertain, with political and public opposition shaping its trajectory.
