The Canadian Liberal government is expediting the land expropriation process for a new high-speed rail network between Quebec City and Toronto, raising concerns about potential violations of property rights. Changes to the Expropriation Act in the Budget 2025 Implementation Act eliminate mandatory hearings for objections, prompting criticism from legal experts and think tanks who argue this could lead to costly mistakes for landowners. While Transport Canada asserts that fair compensation will still be provided, critics warn that the balance of power favors the government, risking livelihoods. Additional provisions allow the federal government to impose work prohibitions on properties related to the railway, restricting landowners’ ability to make improvements for up to four years.
