MONTREAL - The first segment of the federal government's proposed high-speed rail project will connect Montreal and Ottawa, the transport minister announced Friday.

Steven MacKinnon said connecting Ontario and Quebec was the "logical" first step for the planned 1,000-kilometre rail network, which would see trains travelling between Toronto and Quebec City at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. Construction is expected to begin in 2029.

"This segment represents a unique opportunity to connect two provinces and quickly generate benefits for travellers, communities, and the economy," MacKinnon told reporters at a press conference in Gatineau, Que.

The high-speed rail project was first announced by then-prime minister Justin Trudeau in February. If completed, it could take passengers f

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