Various media reports have said that some beneficiaries of the fund are unions that endorsed the Progressive Conservatives in elections and people who have donated to the party.

The project will add 40 kilometres of new, two-way track and includes track re-alignments, signal upgrades, bridge work and platform expansion along the corridor.

Macklem said a potential escalation between China and the United States, if it came to pass, "would be very significant from a global perspective."

On Monday, the province will introduce a bill focused on streamlining red tape, including labour mobility legislation. 

The funding is being provided to support planning for the new Lake of the Woods District Hospital, and for the redevelopment and expansion of the Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care long-term care home.