What happened
The Canadian province of Alberta and the federal government have partnered to advance a high-speed rail project between Calgary and Edmonton. The 350-kilometre rail line will also serve major airports and pass through Red Deer, with a travel time of under two hours between the two cities.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that the province will launch a formal Request for Proposal process, inviting private sector companies to submit proposals for the project. The successful proponent is expected to pay for most of the project's cost, with minimal financial investment from the provincial government.
The federal government has committed to referring the project to the Major Projects Office, and will work with Alberta to explore the project's viability. The partnership aims to assess market interest and implementation opportunities, and will establish a joint governance structure to oversee the work.
The project is expected to create opportunities for Canadian workers and their families, as well as suppliers and businesses. The Alberta government first announced its proposal for a rail line in April 2024, and released its Passenger Rail Master Plan in June, laying the foundation for a passenger rail network across the province.
