On behalf of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Daniel Tisch, its president and chief executive officer, has expressed support for the Toronto–Quebec City high‑speed rail corridor as nation‑building infrastructure.
“The Ontario Chamber is proud to support this project and looks forward to continuing to work with governments and partners to ensure it is delivered successfully and strengthens Canada’s economic competitiveness,” he said in a statement.
According to Tisch, through this project, fast, reliable, and electrified rail infrastructure can help link over half of the country’s economy, spur regional growth, boost tourism, improve labour mobility, decrease commute time, and meet the needs of Ontario’s and Quebec’s businesses, workers, and communities.
“Canada needs transformation, not timidity, in building the infrastructure that will power productivity and performance,” he said in the statement.
Tisch emphasized the need for discipline, consultation, cautious planning, and follow-through for this major infrastructure project.
“That work is underway and is essential to delivering lasting value,” he said in the statement.
Canada–Ontario partnership
In a prior statement, Tisch also welcomed Canada’s and Ontario’s recently announced partnership in an effort to build homes, transit, and other infrastructure more speedily and affordably, including through changes to harmonized sales taxes and development charges.
In their announcement, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed their governments’ plans to progress the ALTO high-speed rail initiative, which is expected to connect millions of residents along the Toronto–Quebec City corridor.
“Now, it’s time to execute with faster approvals, predictable multi-year planning and clear accountability,” Tisch said in the statement. “Municipalities also need tools and incentives to move projects forward while maintaining affordability.”
He added that the Ontario government should avoid delays, which could impact business confidence.
“Better alignment of housing, transit and growth planning will support investment, productivity and stronger communities,” Tisch said in the statement. “The Ontario Chamber looks forward to working with governments to help turn this partnership into real progress.”
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization that represents a network of 60,000 members. It seeks to convene, mobilize, and empower business and local chambers to promote inclusive and sustainable prosperity among the province’s businesses, employees, and communities.