Carney Government Moves to Expedite Toronto-Quebec High-Speed Rail

The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has introduced a significant legislative proposal aimed at accelerating the development of a high-speed rail line connecting Toronto and Quebec City. This initiative, part of the 2025 budget tabled on March 15, 2024, seeks to grant the Crown corporation responsible for the project, known as Alto, extensive powers to streamline land acquisition and bypass certain regulatory processes.

The proposed High-Speed Rail Network Act would allow Alto to expedite the acquisition or expropriation of land required for the railway, which is estimated to cost between $60 billion and $90 billion. Notably, the legislation would enable the project to be exempt from review by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), effectively deeming it approved and preventing the agency from rescinding this approval. This move is designed to cut construction time significantly from eight years to five.

The high-speed rail project aims to develop approximately 1,000 kilometers of fully electric rail, facilitating high-speed commuter trains that could reach speeds of 300 km/h. Travel times between major cities are expected to be halved when compared to current services provided by Via Rail.

Legislative Changes and Environmental Reviews

Under normal circumstances, substantial transportation infrastructure projects undergo rigorous reviews by both the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the CTA. However, the new legislation proposes that the high-speed rail project would only require an environmental assessment by the IAAC, simplifying the approval process considerably.

The IAAC’s review process would also be altered, allowing the project to be divided into segments of up to 50 kilometers. Each segment would be reviewed and approved individually rather than as a comprehensive whole. This approach raises concerns regarding the thoroughness of environmental assessments, as the reviews would now be led by the IAAC rather than an independent panel, which often provides a more objective perspective.

In a statement from Transport Minister Steven McKinnon, his spokesperson, Marie-Justine Torres, emphasized that the goal of the proposed law is to “reduce duplication, streamline government processes and ensure that each segment of the project is subject to the Impact Assessment Process while fully respecting Indigenous rights.” However, the rationale for segmenting the environmental assessments and bypassing CTA review remains unclear.

Land Acquisition Powers and Community Concerns

Should the legislation pass, Alto would gain the authority to acquire necessary land more swiftly. The bill allows for the minister of public services to expropriate land without first negotiating with the property owner. Furthermore, the minister would not be required to hold public hearings if there are objections to the expropriation, only needing to provide reasons for the decision if requested in writing.

Critics, including Lavagnon Ika, a professor of project management at the University of Ottawa, have expressed concerns over the sweeping powers granted to the government. Ika remarked that the legislation places the government in “uncharted territory,” enabling it to pre-approve mega projects with limited scrutiny from independent regulators. He highlighted the potential risks of diminishing democratic accountability, urging the government to maintain a balance between efficiency and public consultation, especially with Indigenous communities.

Ika noted that while Canada’s approval process for major projects can be cumbersome and lead to delays, bypassing consultations and independent reviews entirely could have significant implications. His advice to the government underscores the importance of transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

As the government moves forward with this ambitious plan, the implications for land rights, environmental assessments, and the involvement of Indigenous communities remain critical considerations in the discussion surrounding the high-speed rail project.