The Big Story

Canada is finally getting a high speed rail line

Feb 24, 2025

In this discussion, Lavagnon Ika, a Project Management Professor at the University of Ottawa, dives into Canada's ambitious high-speed rail project linking Toronto and Quebec City. He highlights Canada’s unique position as the only G-7 nation without such a line and the government’s recent $4 billion investment. Ika addresses the operational challenges posed by existing freight systems and compares this initiative to international efforts facing financial hurdles. He also explores how this project could transform connectivity and fuel economic growth, despite political and financial uncertainties.

14:48

Creator website

Episode guests

Lavagnon Ika

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The Canadian government's commitment of approximately $4 billion marks a pivotal step towards developing a long-discussed high-speed rail line connecting Toronto and Quebec City.

While the project promises significant economic benefits and improved connectivity, challenges like potential government changes and cost overruns pose substantial risks to its successful implementation.

Deep dives

Government Commitment and Financial Investment

The federal government has announced plans for a high-speed rail line, committing approximately $4 billion to the design phase of the project. This financial investment marks a significant step toward realizing a concept that has been discussed since the 1970s, potentially setting Canada apart as the only G7 nation without high-speed rail. The commitment indicates the current government's serious intentions regarding the project's development, despite concerns over potential changes in government leadership that could jeopardize progress. The project could offer substantial benefits to commuters in the Montreal-Toronto corridor, significantly reducing travel time.

Intro

2min

Canada's High-Speed Rail Ambitions

4min

Transformative Impact of High-Speed Rail on Canadian Connectivity

2min

Navigating the Challenges of High-Speed Rail Implementation

3min

The Future of Canada's High-Speed Rail: Expectations and Timelines

3min

Canada is the only G-7 nation without a high speed rail line, but that might be about to change.

Our federal government has unveiled plans for an ambitious project, which would link Toronto and Quebec City.

But will it happen?

Host Kris McCusker speaks to Lavagnon Ika, Professor of Project Management at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, about the potential challenges and the likelihood the project gets done.

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca

Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter