A high-speed rail link between Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa is being fast-tracked by the government, CBC News reported during a live broadcast. The project, which aims to significantly reduce travel times between the cities, was not initially listed as a priority but was added to a list of projects the government is interested in accelerating.

According to the broadcast, the rail line could reduce travel time between Toronto and Montreal, and between Montreal and Ottawa to less than an hour. This could potentially shift travel patterns away from air travel, impacting millions of Canadians.

The decision to prioritize this project was reportedly motivated by a desire to showcase a traditional conservative economic policy and differentiate the Conservatives from the Liberals. A commentator on CBC suggested the project was selected because it has the potential to resonate with a broader public than other projects focused on natural resource development in northern regions.

The project differs from previous feasibility studies which focused on high-frequency rail with more stops. The current plan envisions a faster line, potentially attracting commuters to bedroom communities around Toronto.

During the broadcast, it was also suggested that this project could pave the way for similar high-frequency rail initiatives in other regions, such as between Edmonton and Calgary. The government’s commitment to this project signals a potential broader infrastructure strategy.