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How the $3.9 Billion for Alto Is Controlled

This is the first time Canada has moved this far forward in the implementation of high-speed rail. I needed to understand how the money is allocated and what are the systems in place to ensure the allocated money is being spent wisely.  Canada has committed $3.9 billion over six years to design and develop Alto, the Toronto–Québec City high-speed rail line. So the questions were simple to ask. Who holds that money, and who checks it? I reviewed Alto's latest quarterly and annual reports, Transport Canada's briefing notes, the Auditor General's latest work and a House of Commons hearing. Here is what they say, and two things they don't. Any corrections feel free to comment at bottom of post. - Paul Langan The short answer The money goes to Alto, the federal Crown corporation, not to Cadence, the consortium doing the design work. Alto pays Cadence under a contract. Alto's quarterly reports are not audited. The audit is annual and is done by the Auditor General of...
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Canada's Eastern Corridor High-Speed Rail: A Cost Analysis - Added to High-Speed Rail Canada Studies Page

  One of the mandates of high-speed rail Canada is to ensure all current and previous studies are kept for future generations. We have added in English and French the Canada's Eastern Corridor High-Speed Rail: A Cost Analysis using Global Data - Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer October 1st, 2026 to our Ontario- Quebec Studies Page. It is #33 on the list of studies.
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Is High-Speed Rail Finally Coming to Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton

  Alberta 2010 high-speed rail map and Prairie Link 2026 Alberta high speed rail image  On September 28, 2026, the federal and Alberta governments announced they will collaborate on Alberta high-speed rail connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton. At High-Speed Rail Canada, we have followed this corridor for years, and this is the most concrete government commitment we've seen in a long time. Here is what was announced, and why the history behind it matters. What Canada and Alberta announced The announcement was made in Calgary by Eleanor Olszewski, federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, speaking for Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen joined her. The main elements are: Federal referral to the Major Projects Office (MPO). The Calgary–Red Deer–Edmonton corridor will be treated as a "transformative strategy," the same way Ottawa is handling its Toronto–Quebec City h...
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High Speed Rail Canada Adds ALTO Economic Analysis and Updated Michael Schabas Study

Consultant Michael Schabas has released updated Alto Conceptual Design and Business Case V3,August 2026.  Explained as a new, improved and expanded version of my Conceptual design and Business Case.  It addresses the route via 401 and serving Belleville, Kingston and Brockville. It also responds to Alto’s consultation and some  “research” papers they have released.   ALTO - The Economic Opportunity of High-Speed Rail August 2026 This document outlines the current assessment of Alto’s value. The analysis is grounded, the methodologies are transparent, and the proposed benefits hold across a wide range of scenarios. Beyond the economic and financial outcomes, this document also explores what Alto could mean for Canadians in their daily lives.The evidence shows that Alto delivers significant economic and financial benefits. Alto will deliver direct benefits to Canadians estimated to ~$49.5 billion and will deliver a step-change in economic performance, raising GDP ...
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High-Speed Rail Network Act Added to High-Speed Rail Canada website

  The Canadian government's latest High-Speed Rail Network Act, dated May 26th, 2026 has been added to our   Ontario-Quebec page. Since 2008, one the purposes of the High Speed Rail Canada website is to ensure all studies and legislation related to previous and present high-speed rail are available for free for the public on on our website. Transport Canada has given an overview of the Act on their site. Read the High-Speed Rail Network Act overview in English or French .
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Analyst believes Alberta an embarrassment with no inter-city passenger rail

Thanks to Michael Higgins and the CTV PrimeTime News Team for the interview on Alberta's Passenger Rail Plan.  You can view the video at: https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/shouldnt-even-be-a-question-analyst-believes-alberta-an-embarrassment-with-no-inner-city-passenger-rail/
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Alberta Needs Inter-City Passenger Trains Yesterday

Dayliner No9022 at Lethbridge railway station July 17 1971 - Lethbridge is Alberta's 4th largest city and may not see passenger rail return for 60 more years according to the Rail Master Plan. Photo courtesy of the Galt Museum and Archives It is no secret that the lack of any inter-city passenger rail in Alberta is a provincial embarrassment. Now the provincial government has released the Alberta's Passenger Rail Master Plan Executive Summary . It is looking at a passenger rail plan or the next 30-60 years.  Since 2004, I have advocated for getting  passenger rail between Calgary and Edmonton. At that time I had made presentations in province, when their was a high-speed rail study done and during the attempt by Bombardier to sell their JetTrain in the province. The Bombardier JetTrain, Calgary, Alberta 2003 - photo by Julian Lengauer The Failed 2004 Edmonton- Calgary High Speed Rail Attempt In 2003, the Alberta government was studying the concept again of high-speed rail betw...
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