Federal Boost for TTC Subway Cars Production Announced

The Canadian government has announced a significant investment of $758 million for the production of TTC subway cars, a move welcomed by Unifor. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This funding is expected to create substantial employment opportunities at the Alstom manufacturing facility in Thunder Bay. The initiative aims to support Toronto transit riders while stimulating the Canadian economy through good, sustainable jobs.

TTC Subway Cars Project to Strengthen Local Economy

Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed optimism about the announcement, emphasizing its importance for Canadian workers. “This investment ensures public spending directly benefits workers, fostering high-quality jobs across the nation,” she stated. The funding completes the resources necessary for building much-needed subway cars, which will support hundreds of manufacturing and spin-off jobs.

Federal Commitment to TTC Subway Cars Highlights Job Creation

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland revealed the federal government’s broader $1.2 billion commitment to the TTC over the next decade. A significant portion—$758 million—will go toward purchasing 55 new subway cars for Toronto’s Line 2. These vehicles are expected to enhance transit infrastructure while bolstering local manufacturing efforts.

DB Cargo: Restructuring for Sustainable Rail Freight

Thunder Bay’s Alstom plant, formerly Bombardier, has a rich history of producing every subway car currently operating on TTC tracks. Local 1075 President Justin Roberts highlighted the readiness of the plant’s workforce to deliver the next generation of transit vehicles. “Our members excel at building safe, reliable, and affordable transit solutions,” Roberts affirmed. This project will empower employees to thrive in their community while contributing to national transit goals.

At its height, the Alstom facility was the region’s largest private-sector employer, driving local economic activity and supporting countless families. However, job security concerns arose as the plant transitioned from Bombardier to Alstom’s ownership. Since 2018, Unifor has been vocal about the potential loss of direct and indirect jobs at the site.

To address these challenges, Unifor launched a campaign in 2020 to secure orders for new transit vehicles. This advocacy included collaboration with public officials and significant lobbying efforts. Most recently, in July, Unifor President Lana Payne and Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a joint statement urging federal action to protect Thunder Bay jobs.

The federal government’s investment aligns with Unifor’s broader industrial strategy, outlined in its 2025 budget submission. The union’s proposal emphasized the importance of public transit funding and included calls for “Made-in-Canada” content requirements. This approach underscores Unifor’s commitment to supporting Canadian workers and industries.

Unifor represents 320,000 workers across various sectors, making it Canada’s largest private-sector union. The organization champions workers’ rights, equality, and social justice while advocating for progressive economic policies. With this investment, Unifor aims to build a stronger, more equitable future for Canadian workers.

This federal commitment is expected to revitalize the Thunder Bay plant while reinforcing Canada’s transit infrastructure. It reflects a strategic partnership between government, industry, and labor to create sustainable economic growth. Through initiatives like this, Canada continues to prioritize domestic manufacturing and job creation for long-term prosperity.

Source: ca.finance.yahoo.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

World Sustainable Transport Day: UNPA Launches Commemorative Stamps