The first leg of the federal government’s planned high-speed rail project will connect Ottawa and Montreal.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon made the announcement Friday morning alongside several Ottawa politicians and Martin Imbleau, CEO of Alto, the crown corporation overseeing the project.

“We want to begin construction of this major project, one of the largest public works ever contemplated in the history of our country,” MacKinnon said.

Construction is expected to begin in 2029.

MacKinnon said the Ottawa-Montreal segment, spanning approximately 200 kilometres between the two cities, was the most logical place to start the project.

The span is relatively short and straight, he said, providing an opportunity for construction teams in Ontario and Quebec to develop the skills th

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