The Big Story

Canada is finally getting a high speed rail line

13 snips
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.
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INSIGHT

Political Hurdle for High-Speed Rail

  • The Canadian government's high-speed rail announcement is positive but faces political uncertainty.
  • The upcoming elections could jeopardize the project, despite prior discussions and a $4 billion design commitment.
INSIGHT

Canada's High-Speed Rail Deficit

  • Canada's lack of high-speed rail is embarrassing, especially given its G7 status and the benefits seen in other countries like France.
  • Frequent travelers find it surprising that Canada lags behind in this area.
INSIGHT

Financial Commitment Boosts Project's Likelihood

  • The $4 billion government commitment to the design phase is unprecedented, signaling a serious intent.
  • This financial backing increases the likelihood of the project's realization compared to previous proposals.
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