PQ leader says Quebec would leave high-speed rail project
Quebec high-speed rail: PQ leader vows to block provincial funding for Alto He says the project misses local needs; see why cities and leaders still back it
Parti Québécois Leader Paul StPierre Plamondon said a PQ government would stop Quebec from taking part in the planned highspeed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto.
He argued the project does not meet the province’s needs and said public money should instead go toward local priorities such as roads, hospitals, schools and urban transit. The first construction phase, which would connect Montreal and Ottawa, is scheduled to start in 2029.
The federalbacked Alto project is planned as a 1,000kilometre electric rail line with stops including Ottawa, Laval, TroisRivières and Peterborough. Its estimated cost is between $60 billion and $90 billion, though StPierre Plamondon raised concerns that it could end up costing much more. Municipal leaders in Quebec defended the rail link, saying it would improve mobility, support the economy and connect major cities.