Mandate:
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) Initiative is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Canada’s history. This rail network will span approximately 1,000 km and reach speeds of up to 300 km/hour, with stops in Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City. It will help build a better future for Canadians with new trains using electrified technology running on mostly dedicated passenger tracks that will serve Canada’s growing population.
In March 2022, the Government of Canada issued Orders in Council authorizing and directing VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) to incorporate a wholly owned subsidiary, Alto. Alto has a mandate to develop and implement the HSR initiative including the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of passenger rail services in Ontario and Quebec through one or more agreements with the private sector, in cooperation with the Minister of Transport. Alto operates at arm’s-length from VIA Rail and acts as a dedicated project office for the HSR Initiative.
On November 29, 2022, Alto was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA). It is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Transport who maintains an arm’s length distance from the day-to-day operations of the corporation while fulfilling his obligations under Canada’s governance and accountability regime for Crown corporations - Financial Administration Act, CBCA, and government-wide Crown corporation policies and practices.
On February 19, 2025, following a multi-year Government-led procurement process, the Government announced that Cadence, the selected bidder, will work with Alto to co-design the HSR Initiative, in collaboration with VIA Rail and Transport Canada. The Co-Development phase was launched on March 31, 2025. Alto, as the Project Authority, will advance the Initiative in collaboration with Cadence and federal partners.
Profile:
Chief Executive Officer: Martin Imbleau
Chairperson of the Board of Directors: Robert Prichard
Board of Directors: Up to seven directors (including chair and vice-chair)
Operating and capital budgets 2024-25: $120.9M
Operating and capital budgets 2025-26: $597.1M