In a significant move under the Buy Canadian Policy, the federal government is investing over $4.7 billion for Via Rail to purchase and maintain 313 new passenger rail cars from Alstom Canada. This marks the first instance in forty years that Via Rail passenger cars will be entirely manufactured in Canada, contrasting with its previous fleet largely sourced from the United States.
During an event at the Alstom Plant in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the local impact of the project, highlighting that Canadian workers, including electricians, machinists, and welders, will contribute to the construction process using Canadian materials. The production and assembly of these new rail cars will occur in Thunder Bay and La Pocatière, Quebec, while design and engineering work will be based in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec.
The government anticipates that this initiative could inject over $1.6 billion into the economy and create nearly 700 jobs in Ontario and Quebec. Michael Keroullé, president and CEO of Alstom Americas, described the project as a historic opportunity to collaborate with Via Rail, replacing outdated cars that are approximately 70 years old.
This milestone follows another significant development at the Alstom Plant, where the final assembly of new subway cars for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is also underway, featuring a substantial 55% Canadian content in each car.
The government’s investment in the Canadian manufacturing sector underscores a commitment to boosting local production and job creation, signaling positive economic growth prospects for the region.
