On September 15, 2026, the Union of Agricultural Producers (UPA) formally asked the federal government to suspend the high‑speed rail project that would connect Quebec City and Toronto. The request was addressed to Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and the federal authorities responsible for the initiative.
The UPA said the rail line poses a threat to the farming sector, and it cited concerns that the project could negatively affect agricultural producers along the corridor. The union’s statement emphasized that protecting the interests of farmers is a priority in its opposition to the plan.
The request follows earlier expressions of dissent from the Union of Agricultural Producers regarding the Quebec‑Toronto high‑speed rail proposal. In prior communications, the group has consistently voiced reservations about the project's impact on agriculture, although no specific alternatives or mitigation measures were detailed in the latest filing.
The federal government and Transport Minister MacKinnon have received the formal request and are now tasked with reviewing the union’s concerns. No further action or decision has been announced as of the date of the filing.
The high‑speed rail project, intended to link the two major cities, remains under consideration at the national level. The UPA’s renewed appeal adds to the ongoing dialogue between agricultural stakeholders and federal officials as the plan progresses.
The Union of Agricultural Producers continues to monitor developments and has indicated that it will remain engaged with government representatives to address the issues it raises about the rail corridor and its potential effects on the province’s agricultural landscape.