In a recent development under the Buy Canadian Policy, the Canadian federal government is allocating over $4.7 billion for Via Rail to procure and uphold 313 new passenger rail cars from Alstom Canada. This marks the first occasion in forty years that Via Rail passenger cars will be entirely manufactured in Canada, unlike much of its current fleet that was constructed in the United States.
During a visit to the Alstom Plant in Thunder Bay, Ont., Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Canadian labor will play a crucial role in the production process. The new passenger cars will see Canadian electricians handling the wiring, machinists creating precision parts, and welders fabricating steel frames from Canadian carbon steel. Carney highlighted that the positive impact of this initiative will extend beyond the factory floor to communities nationwide.
The manufacturing and assembly of the rail cars will take place in Thunder Bay and La Pocatière, Que., while design and engineering work will be conducted in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que. The government anticipates that this project could inject over $1.6 billion into the economy and sustain approximately 700 jobs in Ontario and Quebec.
Michael Keroullé, the president and CEO of Alstom Americas, hailed the contract as a significant milestone, emphasizing the urgent need to replace the aging passenger cars, some of which are over 70 years old. The new project also aligns with another major endeavor at the plant, where the final assembly of new subway cars for the Toronto Transit Commission is underway, with a substantial percentage of Canadian content.
The announcement was lauded as a substantial investment in critical infrastructure by Mathieu Paquette, interim CEO of Via Rail Canada, who described Via Rail as a vital service for many Canadians. He highlighted that the renewed fleet will offer enhanced onboard experiences, with a variety of sleeper cars and panorama dome cars to be included.
The contract with Alstom Canada has brought a sense of relief and stability to workers at the Thunder Bay plant, as noted by Justin Roberts, president of Unifor Local 1075. The contract is expected to provide job security and stability, alleviating the uncertainty that workers have faced in recent years.
Local organizations, including the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission and Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, commended the contract. Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, expressed pride in the Canadian investment, emphasizing the collaborative effort that led to the contract’s realization.
Robinson emphasized the positive impact of such investments in strengthening communities and the manufacturing sector, providing long-term benefits in terms of job creation and training opportunities. Amid ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S., investments like these serve as a source of reassurance amidst global uncertainties.