Canada invests $4.7 billion in domestically built VIA Rail passenger cars
The federal government is allocating more than $4.7 billion for 313 new VIA Rail cars that will be manufactured entirely in Canada.
The Canadian government announced a commitment of more than $4.7 billion to acquire 313 new passenger rail cars for VIA Rail, marking the first time in four decades that the fleet will be built wholly in Canada. Alstom Canada will handle design and engineering in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec, while manufacturing and assembly will occur in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and La Pocatière, Québec. Officials estimate the initiative could inject over $1.6 billion into the national economy and sustain close to 700 jobs in Ontario and Québec.
Alstom Americas' president Michael Keroullé noted the aging 70-year-old cars are overdue for replacement. The announcement coincides with ongoing work at the Thunder Bay plant on final assembly of new Toronto Transit Commission subway cars, which will feature 55 percent Canadian content.
Why it matters
The investment boosts domestic manufacturing, creates jobs and modernizes Canada's national rail service.
In this story
