The Premier Who Builds High-Speed Rail Will Be Ontario’s Greatest Leader

Ontario’s next truly great Premier will be the one who finally delivers a high-speed rail network. Just as Canada’s highway system transformed the nation under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, ushering in a new era of mobility and economic growth, a high-speed rail system would revolutionize how Ontarians live and work.

When the Trans-Canada Highway was first proposed, it faced considerable pushback. Many questioned the cost, the necessity, and the logistics. But in hindsight, no one disputes its fundamental role in shaping Canada’s modern economy. Roads became an essential service, linking rural communities with major cities, facilitating commerce, and enabling unprecedented economic expansion. High-speed rail would do the same, but on an even greater scale.

A network of 300 km/h trains linking cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Sudbury and North Bay would make daily commutes across vast distances practical, fundamentally altering housing affordability and economic opportunity. Workers could live in more affordable regions while remaining connected to major economic hubs, easing the pressure on the Greater Toronto Area’s overheated housing market. At the same time, businesses would benefit from enhanced connectivity, unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, and job creation.

This is also the perfect time to undertake such a transformational infrastructure project. With the threat of U.S. tariffs looming, Ontario must look inward to stimulate its economy. A high-speed rail network would create thousands of well-paying jobs in construction, engineering, and manufacturing while boosting productivity by reducing the billions of dollars lost annually due to traffic congestion.

Building this network is not just a question of convenience; it is an economic imperative. Ontario cannot afford to fall behind while other regions invest in modern transit solutions. A Premier with the vision and determination to make high-speed rail a reality will not only secure their legacy but also ensure Ontario’s prosperity for generations to come.