Statement from Mayor Jeff Leal on ALTO High-Speed Rail Project

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement in response to the Conservative Party of Canada’s Opposition to ALTO:

“My colleagues and I on Peterborough City Council and the broader Peterborough community are very disappointed in Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada for opposing the ALTO High Speed Rail project.

The City of Peterborough has been clear that we are in full support of this transformative nation building project, which has chosen Peterborough as one of seven station stops along the Toronto to Quebec City corridor.

This project will significantly strengthen economic development, business investment, tourism, and employment opportunities in Peterborough, and the construction will create jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

It is especially disappointing to see former MP Michelle Ferreri stand beside Mr. Poilievre as he fights to take away this generational opportunity for our region.

The last time the Conservatives destroyed a national building project was the Avro Arrow in 1959. That shortsighted decision devastated Canada’s aerospace industry, with many of the country’s top engineers leaving the country. The talent that left Canada from that Conservative decision helped put the Americans on the moon in 1969.

The City of Peterborough will continue to work closely with ALTO and the Government of Canada to take advantage of the economic and social benefits of this important project.”