Transport Canada and Justice Department drive forward Alto high-speed rail project structuring and procurement

Government

Department of Justice Canada

Law Firm / Organization
Dentons Canada LLP

Government

Transport Canada

Law Firm / Organization
Dentons Canada LLP

Company

VIA HFR Inc.

Law Firm / Organization
DLA Piper

?The Department of Justice Canada and Transport Canada have played pivotal roles in the structuring and procurement of the High Frequency Rail Project, now known as the Alto High-Speed Rail initiative. Transport Canada, as the project's primary owner and investor, has overseen the procurement process, which included issuing a Request for Qualifications in February 2023 and a subsequent Request for Proposals in October 2023. This process culminated in the selection of the Cadence consortium in February 2025 to co-develop the project. The Department of Justice Canada has provided essential legal guidance throughout this process, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and facilitating the legal frameworks necessary for the project's advancement.

The Alto project represents Canada's largest transportation infrastructure endeavor, aiming to establish a 1,000-kilometer electrified high-speed rail network connecting major cities from Toronto to Québec City. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance intercity travel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate economic growth. The collaborative efforts of these federal departments have been instrumental in transitioning the project from its planning stages to the current development phase.?

Financing/Investment
Infrastructure
$ 60,000,000,000
Closed
20 March 2025