The leader of the Parti Québécois has stated that his government, if elected, would oppose Quebec’s involvement in the high-speed rail project connecting Quebec City to Toronto. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon expressed concerns that the project does not meet the transportation needs of Quebec residents. He emphasized that the primary issue lies in improving local commuting rather than facilitating travel to Toronto.
The initial phase of construction, linking Montreal to Ottawa, is set to commence in 2029. Alto, the entity overseeing the project, plans to establish a 1,000-kilometer electric rail line between Toronto and Quebec City, with an estimated cost ranging from $60 to $90 billion. This rail network aims to reduce travel time between Montreal and Toronto to three hours, significantly faster than current transportation options.
St-Pierre Plamondon raised doubts about the project’s estimated costs, citing a Bloc Québécois projection of $200 billion. He expressed concerns that Quebec could bear a substantial financial burden if the actual expenses exceed expectations. The federal government clarified that it is primarily funding the initiative, not Quebec.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the significance of the high-speed rail project in connecting Quebec’s major cities, highlighting it as a crucial component of the province’s transportation infrastructure. However, municipal leaders in Quebec, including Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer, criticized St-Pierre Plamondon’s stance, emphasizing the project’s positive impacts on the economy and mobility.
The Parti Québécois leader suggested that diverting funds from the high-speed rail project to essential infrastructure like roads, hospitals, schools, and urban public transit would better serve Quebec residents. He also criticized the federal government’s approach to the project, citing concerns about transparency in consultations and potential issues related to expropriation of land.
Farmers from the Outaouais and Laurentides regions are planning to protest the project, expressing worries about its impact on their livelihoods. Alto has committed to prioritizing negotiated agreements over expropriation and ensuring fair compensation for affected landowners.
The Parti Québécois currently leads in the polls ahead of Quebec’s upcoming provincial election on October 5. Local stakeholders continue to engage in discussions and debates regarding the high-speed rail project and its implications for Quebec’s infrastructure and economy.
