Poilievre Slams High-Speed Rail: Boondoggle or Game-Changer?

0:00Conservative leader Pierre Poiliv wants the federal government to scrap plans for a high-speed rail line from Toronto to Quebec City. He calls it a massive boondoggle that could cost taxpayers between $60 billion and $90 billion. Speaking in Peterborough, he slandered for grabbing farmland and private property without benefiting nearby communities. Altow, the Crown Corporation running the show, plans seven stops, Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Laval, Montreal, Chua Riviers and Quebec City. The first base linking Montreal and Ottawa starts construction around 2029 or 2030. Trains would hit speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour, cutting Toronto to Montreal down to three hours. Transport Minister Stephen McKinnon fired back on social media, saying Poilivra lacks vision for jobs and growth. He touted the project as a game changer, promising over 51,000 jobs and $35 billion added to GDP each year.

1:01McKinnon sees it as connecting communities and proving Canada can tackle big builds. Local pushback is strong, especially from farmers and small town folks worried about land expropriations splitting their areas. Groups like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, one at halted, and several townships pass resolutions against the routes. Meanwhile, Kingston supports a southern path if it adds a stop there and hugs Highway 401. Poilivra argues the cash could fix via rail delays, cut debt, and fight inflation instead, pointing out the Canadian Pacific Railway got built in just. Four years back in the 1880s, this debates heating up as both sides dig in on whether it's worth the price tag. From your city, powered by AI, this is Canada News Today. I'm Corey with the story.