The process to build a high-frequency rail (HFR) network along the Quebec City to Toronto corridor has taken another step forward with the launch of a request for qualifications (RFQ) process.

Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra was joined by Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez to announce the launch of the process on February 17.

"The Request for Qualifications represents an important step in the procurement process for the High Frequency Rail project,” said Alghabra. “HFR will reduce pollution in the transport sector, and provide better and faster service to travellers."

The government says the purpose of the RFQ is to identify and qualify up to three top candidates who will be invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which is anticipated to begin this summer.

The procurement process will help select a private developer partner to work in collaboration with VIA HFR, the newly created subsidiary of VIA Rail, to design and develop the high frequency rail project.

The RFQ launches the formal procurement process. It describes the context and features of the HFR project, and lists the project outcomes that any developer partner will be expected to meet or exceed.

The HFR procurement process is designed to encourage innovation, provide flexibility, and identify an optimal project solution. Respondents are being given maximum leeway to consider alternatives to meet or exceed the project results. This could include increasing speed along the rail lines to beyond 200 kilometers per hour.

The government says that in addition to leveraging the knowledge and expertise of international private sector companies, delivering the HFR project will require substantial Canadian expertise and labour throughout all phases of the project, including construction and operations.

The Government of Canada will encourage its private developer partner to maximize economic benefits to Canadians and Canadian suppliers while respecting Canada's rules-based approach to international trade. 

"Canada is inviting the best developers, operators and designers to compete for an opportunity to present their design and implementation proposal for this significant project,” said Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek.

High Frequency Rail will transform intercity passenger rail in the Québec City to Toronto corridor through a variety of ways, such as by providing more frequent services, offering more reliable and improved on-time performance, shortening journey times, and providing a greener rail system travel option using electrified technology.

The Government of Canada is using a phased approach to leverage input collected throughout the procurement process and to inform the next steps and decisions regarding the implementation of the High Frequency Rail project. Next steps in the project see the RFQ submissions evaluated between April and July, the launch of the request for proposals process in August or September, and the evaluation of those proposals in the summer of 2024.

Budget 2022 provided Transport Canada and Infrastructure Canada with close to $400 million over two years to undertake the procurement phase of the project.