High-Speed Rail Canada - TGV

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...