Three major Canadian farm organizations are calling on the federal government to immediately pause the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, warning it could permanently damage some of the country's most productive farmland and threaten national food security.
In a joint letter released Monday, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and Quebec's Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) requested an immediate suspension of project activities until a comprehensive, independent review of the proposed rail corridor is completed.
The organizations argue that the project, which would improve passenger rail service along the Quebec City-Windsor corridor, could have far-reaching consequences for agricultural operations in Ontario and Quebec.
Beyond the permanent loss of farmland, the groups warned of fragmented farm properties, reduced field access, disrupted drainage systems and increased operating costs. The rail corridor could also restrict the movement of farm machinery, livestock, agricultural products and emergency services.
The letter noted that Canada has lost more than five million hectares of farmland since 2001, an area roughly equivalent to Nova Scotia.
The organizations said protecting remaining agricultural land is essential to maintaining domestic food production and long-term food security.
They are requesting an independent review that examines alternative routes to minimize farmland losses, along with the economic, agricultural, environmental, and transportation implications of the project.
The review should also consider whether the estimated $75-billion to $113-billion investment represents the most effective approach to improving passenger transportation, compared with other available options.
The groups want meaningful consultation with affected landowners, municipalities, Indigenous communities and agricultural organizations, with all findings and supporting analyses made public.
They also urged Ottawa to suspend land expropriation, route finalization and construction-related activities until the review is completed.
The letter was signed by CFA president Keith Currie, OFA president Drew Spoelstra and UPA president Martin Caron.
