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As tensions rise over Alto high-speed rail, could political disagreements derail the long-awaited train project?

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Steven MacKinnon, makes an announcement about the next steps for high-speed rail during a press conference.
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Steven MacKinnon, makes an announcement about the next steps for high-speed rail during a press conference in Gatineau, Que., on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick (The Canadian Press)

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Front Burner25:31Could the Alto high speed rail plan be derailed?

There’s been talk of high-speed rain for generations in Canada and while there’s been a lot of studies and political promises, there’s not a lot to show for it. 

Finally, plans are taking shape for the Alto high-speed rail project, which could get you from Toronto to Montreal in just 3 hours. Except well before construction begins, it’s facing push back.

Farmers in Ontario and Quebec are worried about how the proposed route will affect their land. A growing chorus of politicians from the opposition Parti Quebecois to the federal Conservatives are pushing back on its massive price tag. And now, Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives in Ontario are also questioning the project. 

The Toronto Star’s Queen’s Park Bureau Chief Rob Benzie joins guest host Jason Markusoff to tackle the question: could political disagreement derail this long-awaited train project? 

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