Ottawa will spend more than $4.7 billion to equip VIA Rail with 313 new passenger cars built entirely in Canada, marking a four-decade milestone for domestic production. The announcement comes under the federal government’s Buy Canadian Policy as Alstom Canada leads the production effort.
The contract outlines the creation and maintenance of the 313 rail cars, with construction tied to Alstom Canada’s facilities in Canada. The project represents the first time VIA Rail passenger cars will be manufactured entirely within the country in 40 years.
Officials described the funding as part of a broader push to bolster domestic manufacturing and strengthen Canada’s rail infrastructure. The program aims to deliver new rolling stock to VIA Rail and support ongoing maintenance needs.
Details about the specific timeline for delivery, the exact locations involved in manufacturing, and the division of responsibilities between production and ongoing maintenance were not provided in the released information. The announcement centers on the total value of the contract, the number of cars, and the emphasis on Canadian-built equipment.
