Today in Toronto, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario Minister of Transportation, Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, and Jamaal Myers, Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), announced the on-time delivery of the first of 60 new made-in-Canada streetcars to the TTC, supported by a $568 million joint investment. The first new streetcars will enter service today.

“A thriving Toronto—with reliable and sustainable public transit—is very much a part of our economic plan. Just as creating good-paying, middle-class jobs in Canada and in this city is central to our economic plan. We are investing in Toronto, and in Toronto’s transit infrastructure. These new made-in-Canada streetcars for the TTC are yet another example of how the people of Toronto have no greater partner than our federal government.”

- The Honourable Chrystia Freeland,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

“Supporting modern, safe, and reliable public transit for Canadians across the country helps build more connected communities, a stronger economy, and a cleaner environment. The arrival of these new vehicles ensures that taking a streetcar in Toronto remains comfortable, convenient, and efficient.”

-The Honourable Sean Fraser,
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Our government’s investment of $180 million toward the TTC’s streetcar program along with the contributions of our federal and municipal partners is supporting good home-grown jobs right here in Ontario. All three levels of government agree on the urgent need to build public transit and the investments we are making today will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”

- The Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria,
Ontario Minister of Transportation

“The City of Toronto is proud to work with our federal and provincial partners to invest in green, high-capacity transit. This major investment by our governments will add 60 zero-emission, fully accessible streetcars to our TTC fleet, along with the infrastructure to support those streetcars. Increasing the number of streetcars serving our City will improve service and encourage more people to choose transit over driving. This is good news for our transit system and the environment.”

- Olivia Chow,
Mayor of Toronto

“On behalf of the TTC Board, I am grateful for the generous support of the federal, provincial and municipal governments on this project. This is the first of 60 new streetcars, adding more capacity and improving service for the people of Toronto. The TTC is focused on delivering a more affordable and sustainable transit system as we work toward our goal of being completely zero-emissions by 2040.”

-Jamaal Myers,
Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission

“The TTC is grateful for the continued support of all orders of government as we plan for the future growth and ridership of the city. I want to thank the many TTC employees who keep Toronto moving and dedicate themselves to getting our customers to and from their destinations safely. I know how excited they will be to have more new vehicles in the fleet.”

- Rick Leary,
Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission

• The Government of Canada contributed $180 million through the Zero Emission Transit Fund. The Government of Ontario also contributed $180 million and the City of Toronto  contributed $208 million.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $29.5 billion in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.

• In February 2021, the Prime Minister announced the federal government is investing $14.9 billion for public transit projects from 2021 through 2029 in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding is permanent and stable long-term, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27.

  • As part of this plan, the Zero Emission Transit Fund is currently accepting applications under both the Planning and Capital streams. Eligible applicants can seek funding to help cover planning and capital costs related to the electrification of school and transit fleet, including the purchase of zero emission buses and associated infrastructure. This Fund is closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s commitment to invest in zero emission buses as part of its Growth Plan.

Associated links

• April 24, 2023: Government of Canada invests in Zero Emission Public Transit Infrastructure in Toronto
• Zero Emission Transit Fund
• Investing in Canada Plan – Building a Better Canada
• Strengthened Climate Plan

Media may contact:

Katherine Cuplinskas
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Katherine.Cuplinskas@fin.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
mediare@fin.gc.ca
613-369-4000

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca

Communications Branch
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
416-327-1158
MTO.media@ontario.ca

Corporate Communications
Toronto Transit Commission
416-981-1900
media@ttc.ca

General enquiries:

Phone: 1-833-712-2292
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: financepublic-financepublique@fin.gc.ca

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