Feds to spend $4.7 billion on new Canadian-made VIA Rail cars

The federal government has announced that it will spend $4.7 billion to acquire and maintain 313 new cars for VIA Rail — all built in Canada by European firm Alstom.

It marks the largest investment in the national railway's history.

According to Ottawa, the Asessia rail cars will be designed and engineered in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec then manufactured in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and La Pocatière, Québec.

Alstom said the cars will be "built to withstand the country’s climate extremes," with VIA Rail CEO Mathieu Paquette assuring riders that they will "retain signature features such as dome cars, full-service dining and social areas, while incorporating modern amenities, improved accessibility, and greater reliability."

"Canadians deserve a passenger rail system that is modern, reliable and built to serve them for generations to come," Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon added. "This investment delivers exactly that while supporting good-paying Canadian jobs and strengthening our domestic rail manufacturing sector."

During a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney pointed out that cars on long distance and remote VIA Rail routes haven't been replaced in over 70 years.

"They were built when the NHL had six teams, goalies wouldn't wear masks, the Leafs would win the cup," he said. "That's a long time ago."