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#Quebec’s incoming Parti Québécois government says it will fight Alto, North America’s first true high-speed rail line. Yes, the province with the most to gain from the all-electric train wants to stop this project dead in its tracks. What's behind their stance? 🧵

Alto would be North America's first LGV: a dedicated high-speed line, rather than trains contending with freight traffic on CN + CP tracks. Trains going 300 km/h, up to 72 a day, linking Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. Something to be proud of.

Alto is popular: roughly two-thirds of Canadians support it, including 58% of Conservative voters and 65% of Quebecers. (More than support the PQ.) It would take a big bite out of the up to 94 short-haul flights a day in the Corridor, significantly reducing emissions.

So why is the PQ against it? Because it comes from #Ottawa. PSPP wants the federal billions sent to Quebec with no strings attached. And with sovereignty stuck around 30%, they need to pick a fight to stir up support for a referendum to break up confederation.