The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce are pleased to see the Government of Canada announcement of a major VIA Rail passenger car contract, with our local Alstom facilities. This investment builds on the federal government’s broader Buy Canadian approach, which prioritizes Canadian workers, businesses and domestic supply chains through public procurement.
Last fall, the CEDC and Chamber jointly advocated to Prime Minister Mark Carney for strong Canadian content requirements in VIA Rail’s procurement of its new passenger rail fleet. The organizations emphasized the significant economic opportunity associated with leveraging Alstom’s Thunder Bay manufacturing facility, including supporting skilled employment, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and creating opportunities throughout the Canadian supply chain.
“We are delighted to see the principles we advocated for reflected in Canada’s approach to major rail investments,” said Jamie Taylor, CEO, Thunder Bay CEDC. “For Thunder Bay, an investment of this scale will strengthen our manufacturing sector, generate significant economic activity and drive long-term growth across our community and region.”
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the value of aligning public procurement with Canada’s economic interests,” said Charla Robinson, President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. “Our Chamber has consistently advocated for policies that support local industry, create opportunities for Canadian workers and maximize economic benefits here at home. We are thrilled to see those priorities reflected in this investment and look forward to the positive impact it will have on Thunder Bay’s business community and manufacturing sector.”
The CEDC and Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce congratulate Alstom Thunder Bay on securing this significant investment. We also thank the Government of Canada for its continued commitment to a Buy Canadian approach to major public infrastructure investments—supporting Canadian workers, strengthening domestic supply chains and creating new opportunities for Thunder Bay’s manufacturing sector and local economy.
