Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy
Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue
Dear Honourable Ministers:
We are writing to follow up on our November 5, 2025 letter regarding the importance of applying the federal Buy Canadian policy to VIA Rail’s upcoming fleet procurement. We appreciate the government’s stated commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing, and we remain eager to support federal efforts to ensure that Canadian taxpayers’ investments generate Canadian jobs and economic growth.
As highlighted previously, VIA Rail’s more than $3‑billion procurement represents a historic opportunity to reinforce Canada’s industrial capacity and secure long-term economic benefits in communities like Thunder Bay. With U.S. Buy America restrictions continuing to limit access for Canadian rolling stock manufacturers, maintaining robust Canadian content requirements is essential to leveling the playing field and avoiding a repeat of past procurements where domestic suppliers were disadvantaged.
Thunder Bay’s Alstom facility continues to demonstrate world‑class manufacturing expertise and stands ready to deliver high-quality, Canadian-built rail cars for the national fleet. Securing this work would safeguard hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, help stabilize the regional supply chain, and ensure that federal investments support Canadian workers, not foreign competitors.
We would welcome any updates you are able to share regarding:
- whether Canadian content requirements will be embedded into the RFP; and
- opportunities for industry and community stakeholders to provide further input.
Our organizations stand prepared to collaborate with your office and with VIA Rail to advance a procurement model that aligns with Canada’s economic priorities and showcases Canadian manufacturing excellence.
Thank you again for your attention and leadership on this file. We would be pleased to arrange a meeting at your convenience to discuss this matter further.
Sincerely,
Charla Robinson, President, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce
Jamie Taylor, CEO, Thunder Bay CEDC