Transportation in Canada 2024

Modal Overviews

Air network
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Aviation in Canada

  • Canada's air transportation network spans six time zones
  • 1,900 certified and registered airports in Canada
  • 6,000 aerodromes
  • NAV CANADA operates air traffic control towers at 42 airports & Flight service stations at 55 aiprorts.

Canada’s air transportation network connects Canada to the world and moves passengers across the country, which spans six time zones and covers about 18 million square kilometres. As of 2024, there were approximately 1,900 certified and registered airports in Canada. These are part of a broader network of 6,000 aerodromes, which include land (runways and/or heliports) and water facilities.

NAV CANADA, a private, not-for-profit corporation, manages Canadian airspace through Canada’s civil air navigation system. It owns and operates air traffic control towers at 42 airports, and flight service stations (facilities that provide information and services to pilots before, during, and after flights) at 55 airports.

Key Traffic and Volume Statistics

Canada’s air cargo sector saw notable growth in 2024, driven by higher volumes and stronger demand. The improvement was mainly supported by an increase in e-commerce activity and route expansions by Canadian carriers. Airports in Canada handled 1.60 million tonnes of cargo (loaded and unloaded) from domestic and foreign carriers in 2024, a 5.2% increase compared to 2023 volumes.

In 2024, the four busiest airports for air cargo were Toronto Pearson International Airport (441.5 thousand tonnes in 2024, 3.8% more than in 2023), Vancouver International Airport (315.5 thousand tonnes in 2024, 8.6% more than in 2023), Montréal Trudeau International Airport (158.3 thousand tonnes in 2024, 20.1% more than in 2023) and Hamilton International Airport (140.4 thousand tonnes in 2023, 0.7% more than in 2023).

Figure 7: Air Cargo Volume Growth Rates (2024 vs 2023)

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Figure 7: Air Cargo Volume Growth Rates (2024 vs 2023)
  2023 2024 YoY%
All airports 1,518,316,579 1,597,632,387 5.22%
Toronto (YYZ) 425,239,896 441,454,619 3.81%
Vancouver (YVR) 290,394,073 315,497,374 8.64%
Montréal (YUL) 131,751,545 158,283,921 20.14%
Hamilton (YHM) 139,430,913 140,443,151 0.73%

Passenger

In 2024, the number of passengers travelling by air was up 4% from 2023 and remains slightly below pre-pandemic levels. Growth in passenger volumes is mainly supported by international sectors, whereas growth in the domestic sector remains slow (0.3% from 2023). Much of the post-pandemic recovery was led by large airports but limited by airline capacity challenges combined with the substitution of business travel by technology.

57 million passengers passed through pre-board security screening at Canada’s 8 largest airports in 2024, representing a 5.8% increase over 2023, and 2.7% more than in 2019. Of note, 4.8 million passengers were screened at the top 8 airports in December alone, which was an 8.1% increase compared to December 2023 and 4.3% above the pre-pandemic benchmark set in December 2019.

Connectivity

Canada negotiated new and expanded Air Transport Agreements (ATAs) with key aviation partners in 2024, significantly enhancing international connectivity for both passenger and cargo services. New agreements with Argentina and Australia allowed an unrestricted number of flights and provided substantial operational flexibility for airlines. An expanded agreement with Qatar introduced phased increases in capacity, enabling each side to allocate 14 passenger flights per week among its airlines by October 2026. Throughout the reporting period Canada maintained positive relations with a wide variety of partners, laying the groundwork for future negotiations that will further improve Canada's international connectivity, and offer greater choice for travellers and shippers.

Safety & Security

Transport Canada participated in several initiatives to improve the safety and security of the air cargo and passenger system in 2024, such as the Pre-load Air Cargo Targeting (PACT) System, which uses machine learning to detect risks in air cargo data. Another effortis the Air Right Touch (ART) initiative, which involved industry partners and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), testing facial recognition technology and digital credentials to securely and seamlessly process passengers at Canadian airports.

2024 witnessed the launch of TC’s first mobile application - Aviation Intake Request (TC AIR) into production, and the continued transformation of the Aviation Examination Online Booking Tool, enabling applicants to manage their exams conveniently from home. This year TC also introduced expanded functionality of the Drone Management Portal, accommodating the new regulatory framework - including the capability to accept pre-validated manufacturer safety declarations and issuance of RPAS Pilot Operator Certificates – as well as implementing the Aviation Regulatory Affairs Prioritization System (ARAPS), a new regulatory prioritization system to improve accountability in decision-making for regulatory submissions.

Green Transportation

ICAO and CORSIA

Transport Canada continued to be actively involved in maintaining the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). It requires aircraft operators to buy emission units on the open market to offset a portion of their GHG emissions from international flights. This applies to any operator that emits more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) on international flights from 2019 to 2035.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blueprint for Canada

In 2024, the SAF Task Force continued to develop an SAF Blueprint for Canada. This initiative brought together stakeholders across the SAF value chain to identify what is needed to create a domestic SAF market capable of supporting the 10% aspirational SAF use goal by 2030, set under Canada’s Aviation Climate Action Plan. The draft Blueprint depicts current domestic and international context, existing challenges, and opportunities. It also identifies strategic pathways through a combination of domestic production and imports.

Marine network
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As of December 2024, Canada's commercial registered fleet had:

210 vessels with 1,000 gross tonnage capacity and above, including:

  • 55 Cargo Ships
  • 40 Dry Bulk Carriers
  • 25 Tanker
  • 22 Other Vessels

Canadian Port Authorities

Nanaimo Port Authority
Port Alberni Port Authority
Prince Rupert Port Authority
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority
Thunder Bay Port Authority
Toronto Port Authority
Windsor Port Authority
Montréal Port Authority
Québec Port Authority
Saguenay Port Authority
Sept-Îles Port Authority
Trois-Rivieres Port Authority
Belledune Port Authority
Halifax Port Authority
Saint John Port Authority
St. John's Port Authority

The domestic marine sector primarily focuses on transporting bulk cargo and is essential for supplying Northern communities and developing offshore resources. Canadian-registered vessels carry around 99% of domestic gross tonnage and support trade between Canada and the U.S., while foreign-registered fleets transport goods to and from non-U.S. destinations.

As of December 2024, Canada's commercial registered fleet, comprising vessels with 1,000 gross tonnage capacity and above, totaled 210 vessels with a combined gross tonnage of approximately 2.3 million. This fleet includes 55 cargo ships, 40 dry bulk carriers, 25 tankers, and 22 other vessels.

Passenger ferries play a crucial role in connecting coastal, island, and remote communities across Canada. In 2023, there were 68 registered ferries operating nationwide.

Canadian ports are key for exporting bulk commodities and serve as primary entry points for imported containerized manufactured goods. They act as crucial hubs, linking Canada’s coastlines to domestic and international markets through railways and trucks.​

Transport Canada oversees two types of ports:​

  • 17 ports managed independently by Canada Port Authorities (CPAs); and
  • 34 port facilities owned and operated directly by Transport Canada.​

Key Traffic and Volume Statistics

Freight

Containerized cargo (in TEUs) increased by 4.6% at the four largest Canadian container ports in 2024. The growth marked a rebound from the decline seen in 2023, particularly on the West Coast. The improvement was supported by a more favourable economic environment, with inflation easing and consumer demand stabilizing. Overall, the Port of Vancouver saw an 11.1% increase in container throughput, while the Port of Prince Rupert saw a 5.0% increase year over year.

Eastern ports are key entry and exit gateways for marine trade with European, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia. In 2024, the Port of Montréal experienced a 4.8% decline in container throughput, while Halifax saw a 6.8% drop. These declines reflect broader global supply chain disruptions, particularly along the Red Sea Corridor.

In comparison, container volumes increased at major U.S. ports in 2024, reflecting broader improvements in global trade and economic conditions. Key gateways like the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York-New Jersey, Savannah all recorded significant gains after a challenging year in 2023 despite the dockworkers’ strike on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast.

Non-containerized throughput at Canada’s four largest ports grew by 2.1% in 2024 compared to 2023. On the West Coast, the Port of Vancouver recorded an increase of 3.9% driven by higher volumes of grain and petroleum products, while Prince Rupert experienced a 4.2% decline. On the East Coast, non-containerized throughput fell by 1.9% at the Port of Montréal amid labour uncertainty, and by 6.5% at the Port of Halifax due to weaker demand.

Passenger

Canada’s cruise sector saw significant growth in 2024. Cruise ship passenger traffic reached 3.2 million, a 5.7% increase from 2023 and 16.6% above 2019 levels (2.8 million) at major Canadian portsFootnote 19. U.S. residents accounted for most disembarkations, followed by overseas and Canadian residents. The strong performance reflects increasing demand for Canadian cruise destinations and continued growth in the tourism sector.

Connectivity

Since its inception in 2017, the National Trade Corridors Fund has played a central role in enhancing Canada's ability to move goods efficiently and reliably from origin to destination. Through 2024, the federal government has committed around $4.1 billion toward 213 infrastructure projects across the country, leveraging a total investment of more than $10.5 billion. These projects improve Canada’s transportation network, connect modes, and support seamless end-to-end freight transit from ports through to inland markets and international borders.

Figure 8: Port Volume Growth Rates (2023 vs 2024)

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Figure 8: Port Volume Growth Rates (2023 vs 2024)
  Non Containerized (tonnes) Containerized (TEUs)
Vancouver 3.90% 11.10%
Prince Rupert -4.20% 5.00%
Montréal -1.90% -4.80%
Halifax -6.50% -6.80%
Total 2.10% 4.60%

In 2024, the NTCF announced the investment of up to $6.7 million in two projects at the Port of Thunder Bay to strengthen supply chains and enhance global trade. The investment includes up to $3 million for redeveloping the marshalling yard at Keefer Terminal, improving cargo handling and attracting new markets, and up to $3.7 million for upgrading the wharf, expanding cargo areas, and enhancing rail infrastructure. These improvements aim to boost Northern Ontario’s economy by supporting key industries such as grain, potash, steel, and renewable energy components.

Another key investment this year was a $16.75 million contribution to the Port of Montréal. This project focuses on expanding rail infrastructure, including the addition of a fourth track on the Pie-IX railway bridge. The improvements are designed to increase container handling efficiency, preserve long-term terminal capacity, leverage investments from multiple partners, and ensure more reliable rail access to central Canadian and U.S. markets.

Safety and Security

Vessels

In 2024, Transport Canada made progress on the Domestic Vessel Oversight Review Initiative, which runs through 2027. The initiative is modernizing how we oversee vessels by aligning safety protocols with operational risk and incorporating best practices and new technologies. Transport Canada launched three new digital tools to support marine operators: an Online Certificates of Registry platform with web validation, a searchable course provider tool for pleasure craft operators, and a self-serve license lookup tool to verify pleasure craft license status and renewal dates.

Transport Canada also clarified the distinction between guests on pleasure craft and passengers on non-pleasure craft, helping determine when vessels are subject to commercial regulations. A national trial began in 2024 to evaluate alternative marine cargo inspection methods to improve efficiency in oversight.

Seafarers

Transport Canada published a national standard in 2024 to help deliver online, distance, and blended maritime training at approved institutions that included protocols for online test administration to expand access for seafarers in remote areas. Canada also finalized credential recognition agreements with Ireland and Brunei Darussalam to help address a shortage of seafarers. It also launched a new Fatigue Management at Sea course.

Modernizing Marine Regulations and Enhancing Security

In 2024, Transport Canada continued modernizing Canada’s marine regulatory framework. Transport Canada made progress by working to replace the General Pilotage Regulations with Canadian Marine Pilotage Regulations to align oversight across all four pilotage regions. Interim Order No. 2 was issued to limit sewage and greywater discharge from cruise ships until permanent environmental measures could be developed. Updates to vessel operation restrictions, traffic service zones, enforcement actions, and marine safety fees also moved through the Canada Gazette process. Marine Safety Management System Regulations were also finalized to expand safety oversight across a broader range of Canadian vessels.

Transport Canada further improved marine security by coordinating threat response and intelligence sharing through national and international partnerships. Transport Canada conducted security reviews at high-risk ports, including those linked to organized crime and auto theft. Transport Canada enforced sanctions banning Russian-flagged or owned ships in Canadian waters and monitored vessels engaged in non-compliant or illegal activity. The Minister addressed cybersecurity vulnerabilities tied to foreign-manufactured port equipment to help improve port and marine facility security plans.

Green Transportation

In 2024, the Green Shipping Corridors Program funded projects at Canadian ports and for ships operating along the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, and both coasts. The program focused on removing barriers to using clean technology, encouraged investments in low- and zero-emission vessels and infrastructure, and su Canadian operators in transitioning to cleaner fuels and equipment. These investments de-risked the adoption of low-carbon technologies and accelerated the sector’s decarbonization.

Canada also launched work on a new Green Shipping Corridor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) linking Atlantic Canada, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence Seaway with international partners across the Atlantic. This builds on a similar initiative connecting Canada’s Pacific Coast to Asia. These MOUs foster public-private collaboration and provide a framework to advance clean marine innovation and infrastructure deployment.

Reducing Marine Ecological Risks

Transport Canada continued efforts to manage environmental risks from ship-borne invasive species and underwater noise.

To address the growing problem of abandoned and derelict vessels, the Comprehensive Strategy for Vessels of Concern funded the removal or mitigation of 294 high-risk vessels in 2024, improving navigation safety and protecting marine environments.

Rail network
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The Canadian rail system currently has 48,010 route-kilometres of track

  • Canadian National (CN) owns 45%
  • Canadian Pacific (CP) owns 26.8%
  • Other railways own 28.2%

Rail transportation remains a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across the country and to international markets. Canada's extensive railway network is integral to both freight and passenger sectors, each playing a vital role in the nation's transportation landscape.​

The freight rail sector primarily handles the transportation of heavy, bulk commodities and container traffic over long distances. Canada's two major Class I freight railways, CN and CPKC, manage the majority of freight rail traffic.

The passenger rail sector offers commuter, intercity, and tourist transportation services. VIA Rail Canada, an independent Crown Corporation established in 1977, operates the national passenger rail service.

Key Volume and Statistics

Freight

Rail transportation

Figure 9: Rail Volume Growth Rates

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Figure 9: Rail Volume Growth Rates
  Total Intermodal Bulk
Q1 0.20% 3.50% -2.90%
Q2 5.60% 4.60% 6.70%
Q3 1.10% 3.30% -1.00%
Q4 -3.30% -5.10% -1.50%

In 2024, network-wide rail traffic of Class I Railways was 0.9% above 2023 levels. Overall, bulk commodity volumes saw a modest increase of 0.2% year over year, while containerized rail traffic rose by 1.6%. However, the latter half of the year was marked by significant labour disruptions, including disputes involving CN and CPKC, as well as the strike and lockout at the Port of Montréal and on the West Coast. These challenges, combined with extreme cold weather in early winter, weighed on rail performance and limited volume growth in the final months of 2024.

The Western Canada Rail Corridor remains the primary route for exporting of bulk commodities such as grain, coal and potash to international markets. In 2024, rail shipments to and from Western Canada increased by 2.8% year over year, despite disruptions and harsh winter conditions. In Central Canada, the country’s most populated and industrialized region, the freight rail network connects Western Canada with Ontario and Québec markets as well as key U.S. gateways. Rail shipments in this region rose by 1.6%. Meanwhile, Eastern Canada experienced a 10.3% decline in rail shipments over the same period due to reduced demand.

Passengers

In 2024, VIA Rail transported about 4.4 million passengers—a 7% increase over 2023, but only 88% of 2019 levels. The Québec City–Windsor corridor remained the busiest in the network, handling the vast majority of VIA Rail’s passenger traffic.

Connectivity

In 2024, VIA Rail unveiled its strategic plan, VIAction 2030, aiming to transform passenger rail services and position the corporation as a leader in integrated mobility. As part of this plan, VIA introduced its new fleet in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor, where 63% new trains were already in service by the end of 2024, with full replacement expected by Summer 2025.

In addition, VIA Rail also launched Requests for Qualification (RFQ) for locomotives and cars to replace its Long-Distance, Regional, and Remote (LDRR) fleet. This initiative aims to ensure continuity of services across Canada by connecting over 400 communities with a modern, comfortable and sustainable travel experience. Transport Canada also continued efforts to improve the reliability of passenger rail services while supporting the fluid movement of goods through Canada’s freight and rail network through the conclusion of a study in addressing on-time performance challenges.

Safety & Security

Transport Canada continued its program delivery and oversight activities under its two rail security programs: the Passenger Rail Transportation Security Program and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail Security Program. Both Programs are guided by regulations that provide Transport Canada’s Rail Security Program with the authority to conduct oversight activities of federally regulated passenger and freight railway companies, which enhance security oversight at railway sites, stations and facilities across Canada.

Oversight activities included reviewing and assessing security risk assessments and security plans of regulated entities; conducting comprehensive inspections that examine railway companies’ processes, procedures, training, record keeping; and conducting in-person site inspections. In addition, the Rail Security Program continues to implement its compliance and enforcement framework, including the use of administrative monetary penalties as an enforcement tool to promote regulatory compliance under the Passenger Rail Transportation Security Program.

To support Transport Canada’s safety mandate, funding through the Rail Safety Improvement Program supported the completion of 221 projects at high-risk grade crossings and along rail lines across Canada in FY2024-25. These investments in infrastructure, technology, research, education and awareness initiatives aim to reduce collisions and trespassing incidents, increase resilience of the rail transportation against climate change and/or prevention of the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, as well as increase public confidence in Canada’s rail transportation system.

Green Transportation

Rail transportation continued to make Canada’s transportation network more efficient by reducing congestion and wear-and-tear on roads and highways. A 100-car freight train carrying 10,000 tonnes of goods could replace 300 trucks. Transport Canada has a long history of working with the rail sector to reduce locomotive emissions through a series of voluntary agreements with the Railway Association of Canada (RAC). In 2024, Transport Canada continued to work with the RAC to publish a Locomotive Emissions Monitoring report, which provides key environmental data and highlights emission reduction projects such as hydrogen and battery-electric locomotives and a pilot project to transition to biodiesel power.

Road network
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Canada's National Highway System

Over 29,098 lane-kilometres:

  • 72.8%: Core routes
  • 11.7% Feeder routes
  • 15.5%: Northern and remote areas

Total Public Road Infrastructure

  • More than 1.13 million two-lane equivalent lane-kilometers
  • 75% of roads concentrated in Ontario, Quebec

In 2024, Canada's road transportation network continued to be the primary means for moving both freight and passengers across the country. The Trans-Canada Highway and extensive regional roadways facilitated connectivity from coast to coast to coast.​

The Canadian trucking sector, necessary for domestic and cross-border trade, comprised approximately 152,000 trucking businesses of December 2024Footnote 20. This total includes both general and specialized freight services operating on local and long-haul routes. Despite a slight decrease in job vacancies for truck drivers, the demand for trucking services remained robust amid ongoing transport network challenges. ​Ontario led in the number of trucking businesses, followed by Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. The industry is characterized by a mix of small for-hire carriers, owner-operators, and larger firms offering comprehensive logistics services.​

Key Traffic and Volume Statistics

Road freight

In 2024, truck border crossings in Canada decreased by 1.1% compared to 2023. Trade by truck to and from the U.S. is concentrated in Central Canada, where the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor remains the busiest trucking corridor.

Overall, truck border crossings in Central Canada declined by 1.3% while Western Canada saw a smaller decreased of 0.2% when compared to 2023. Border crossing flows in both directions remained fluid throughout the year, with the top 15 busiest border crossings averaging 9.5 minutes in wait time, around 3.3% (or 0.3 minute) increase when comparing to the 3-year historical average. Of the 4 Southern Ontario region crossings, only Sarnia and Fort-Erie/Peace Bridge recorded an increase in wait times of more than 1 minute in 2024 when compared to the 3-year historical average, with a average border wait time of 14.2 minutes and 14.9 minutes, respectively.

Figure 10: Trucking Volume Growth Rates (2024 vs 2023)

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Figure 10: Trucking Volume Growth Rates (2024 vs 2023)
  Western Canada Central Canada Total Quarterly Growth
Q1 -0.2% -0.1% -0.3%
Q2 0.2% -0.9% -0.8%
Q3 -0.9% -4.0% -3.3%
Q4 0.3% -0.1% 0.1%

Vehicle registrations

As of 2023 (the most recent data available), there were 26.3 million registered road motor vehicles in Canada, or a 0.3% increase from 2022 and a 14.3% increase since 2013. Light-duty vehicles, including passenger cars, pickups, SUVs, and minivans, make up 91.7% of these registrations. Medium and heavy trucks made up for 5.1%, while buses, motorcycles, and mopeds made up the remaining 3.2%.

In 2023, Canadians registered 1,714,356 new motor vehicles, a 13.4% increase from the previous year. Ontario recorded the highest number of new registrations at 677,043, followed by Quebec with 414,897, and British Columbia with 210,666. Notably, Prince Edward Island experienced the largest percentage increase in new registrations at 19.5%.

Public transit

Urban transit systems across Canada continued to recover in 2024. For the full year, Canadians took roughly 1.6 billion trips on public transit—an increase from 1.5 billion in 2023 and representing 84.2% of pre-pandemic levels. Operating revenues for transit agencies improved significantly. In December 2024, revenues rose by 25.5% over the same month in 2023. Increased fares or per-trip costs are likely what drove revenues to 2019 levels despite lower ridership.

Competitiveness and efficiency

Trucking

Three of Canada’s top 10 carriers underwent significant merger and acquisition activities in 2024, reflecting ongoing consolidation in the trucking sector, as companies aimed to expand their services and market presence while reducing overhead costs.

When it comes to labour, the trucking industry saw a notable decrease in driver vacancies. In the second quarter of 2024, vacancies dropped by 36% year over year, reducing the number of unfilled positions to roughly 15,460. Targeted recruitment efforts, coupled with increased wages ($27.10 an hour average in 2024 versus $24.05 in 2021) contributed to this improvement. Despite these gains, the industry continues to face an aging workforce and difficulty attracting younger drivers, which challenge its long-term sustainability.

Urban mobility

The long-lasting impact of COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped commuting behaviour in Canada, with continued remote work reducing peak-hour traffic and shifting travel patterns. In 2024, road congestion levels varied across urban areas. In Montreal, traffic congestion remained above pre-pandemic levels last year, with the average 2024 traffic congestion level being 9% higher than 2019. In Calgary, traffic congestion has been mostly below pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with the average traffic congestion level being 9% lower than 2019. In Toronto and Vancouver, traffic congestion has been steadily below pre-pandemic levels (being respectively down 22% and 17% on average). These levels are measured as part of the Time Travel Index (TTI)Footnote 21, which is the ratio of the measured travel time to the free-flow travel time. Free-flow travel time is measured overnight, when drivers are free to drive at their desired speed because of low volume traffic conditions.

Figure 11: Monthly Travel Time Index for Toronto, Ontario by Afternoon Peak Period

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Figure 11: Monthly Travel Time Index for Toronto, Ontario by Afternoon Peak Period

Toronto

Month 2019 2024
Jan 1.94 1.26
Feb 1.89 1.40
Mar 1.84 1.38
Apr 1.88 1.76
May 2.00 1.61
Jun 2.07 1.43
Jul 2.03 1.67
Aug 2.05 1.53
Sep 2.03 1.68
Oct 2.04 1.54
Nov 2.09 1.61
Dec 1.77 1.64

Figure 12: Monthly Travel Time Index for Montreal, Quebec by Afternoon Peak Period

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Figure 12: Monthly Travel Time Index for Montreal, Quebec by Afternoon Peak Period

Montreal

Month 2019 2024
Jan  2.35 2.31
Feb 1.87 2.23
Mar 1.80 2.24
Apr 1.98 2.26
May 1.97 2.20
Jun 1.98 2.07
Jul 1.91 2.14
Aug 2.55 2.25
Sep 2.40 2.80
Oct 2.27 2.09
Nov 2.46 2.69
Dec 2.03 2.57

Figure 13: Monthly Travel Time Index for Vancouver, British Columbia, by Afternoon Peak Period

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Figure 13: Monthly Travel Time Index for Vancouver, British Columbia, by Afternoon Peak Period

Vancouver

Month 2019 2024
Jan 1.50 1.22
Feb 1.41 1.16
Mar 1.44 1.20
Apr 1.60 1.29
May 1.54 1.29
Jun 1.64 1.22
Jul 1.57 1.15
Aug 1.58 1.15
Sep 1.51 1.26
Oct 1.44 1.21
Nov 1.42 1.27
Dec 1.38 1.43

Figure 14: Monthly Travel Time Index for Calgary, Alberta, by Afternoon Peak Period

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Figure 14: Monthly Travel Time Index for Calgary, Alberta, by Afternoon Peak Period

Calgary

Month 2019 2024
Jan 1.47 1.42
Feb 1.41 1.20
Mar 1.41 1.26
Apr 1.51 1.32
May 1.57 1.54
Jun 1.59 1.31
Jul 1.55 1.27
Aug 1.51 1.40
Sep 1.46 1.36
Oct 1.50 1.33
Nov 1.71 1.67
Dec 1.49 1.42
 

Road safety and security

There has been a significant downward trend in motor vehicle casualties for decades in Canada. Since their peak in the mid-1970s, deaths have decreased by over two-thirds while serious injuries have dropped by over 60%, even though the number of vehicles and kilometres driven by Canadians have increased significantly.

In 2022, deaths from road collisions were around 1% lower compared to 2013, despite significant growth in the number of licensed drivers, vehicles registered, and vehicle kilometers driven. Canada’s death rate per 10,000 registered motor vehicles was 0.73 in 2022. This rate has been relatively stable in recent years and is significantly lower (-14%) than a decade earlier (2013)Footnote 22.

Transport Canada plays a central role in improving road safety and protecting Canadians from evolving vehicle-related risks. In 2024, we aimed to reduce road collisions by improving the regulations for school bus safety, which was published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. We also funded 35 projects under the Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program that advance road safety innovation from 2024-26. These projects will support nationally consistent road safety objectives (for example: measures to address impaired and distracted driving, safe use of new vehicle technologies).

We also supported vehicle safety innovation by contributing to the international guidelines for automated driving system safety, and through testing new safety technologies at its Motor Vehicle Test Centre.

Green Transportation

Zero-Emission vehicles

Canada’s light-duty zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market made significant progress in 2024, reaching 15.4% of new market share, continuing a steady rise from previous years. Medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs accounted for 1.4% of new market share, a slight decline from 1.9% in 2023, due in part to the temporary suspension of Quebec’s incentive program. Quebec remains Canada’s leading province for ZEV registrations.

Starting on October 1, 2024, only vehicles manufactured in countries that have a free trade agreement with Canada were eligible for both the incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (iZEV) and the incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program (iMHZEV) to align with new tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

The iZEV Program was paused in early 2025 as its remaining funding was exhausted earlier than expected and ended on March 31, 2025.