In a significant move under the Buy Canadian Policy, the federal government has allocated over $4.7 billion to Via Rail for the procurement and maintenance of 313 new passenger rail cars from Alstom Canada. This marks the first instance in forty years that Via Rail will have passenger cars entirely manufactured in Canada, as opposed to its previous fleet predominantly coming from the United States.
Speaking at the Alstom Plant in Thunder Bay, Ont., Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the involvement of Canadian workers in the project, stating that Canadian electricians, machinists, and welders will play crucial roles in the production process. The manufacturing and assembly of the cars will take place in Thunder Bay and La Pocatière, Que., with design and engineering work happening in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que.
The government forecasts that the initiative could inject over $1.6 billion into the economy and sustain close to 700 jobs across Ontario and Quebec. Michael Keroullé, president and CEO of Alstom Americas, hailed the contract as a milestone, highlighting the replacement of aging passenger cars that are now seventy years old.
Simultaneously, progress is underway at the plant for another significant project involving the final assembly of new subway cars for the Toronto Transit Commission, with a majority of Canadian content. The timeline for the construction of the Via Rail cars has not yet been established.
Describing the announcement as a substantial investment in critical infrastructure, Mathieu Paquette, interim CEO of Via Rail Canada, stressed the essential nature of rail as a service vital to many Canadians. The upcoming fleet will feature various sleeper cars and panorama dome cars, promising a renewed and enhanced experience for passengers.
For employees at the Alstom Plant in Thunder Bay, such as Justin Roberts, president of Unifor Local 1075, the contract signifies a newfound sense of job security after a period of uncertainty. Roberts expressed that the stability brought by the contract will allow workers to regain confidence and financial security.
The contract has garnered praise from local organizations, with Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the collaborative effort that led to the project’s realization. She emphasized the positive impact of such investments in strengthening communities and local economies, providing assurance amidst global uncertainties.
In a time of escalating tensions between Canada and the U.S., investments like these are seen as sources of stability and prosperity, fostering job creation, skill development, and long-term growth within communities.
