Tshiuetin Railway

Sector(s)

Trade & Transportation, Indigenous Infrastructure

Location(s)

Northeastern Quebec, Western Labrador

Participation

$50 million
(Under construction)

Partner(s)

Transport Canada, Société du Plan Nord, Tshiuetin Rail

Sector(s)

Trade & Transportation, Indigenous Infrastructure

Location(s)

Northeastern Quebec, Western Labrador

Participation

$50 million
(Under construction)

Partner(s)

Transport Canada, Société du Plan Nord, Tshiuetin Rail

Improving rail service to Indigenous communities

The project consists of new infrastructure and equipment upgrades. It includes track structure improvements, construction of a new worker lodging camp as well as a new train station and passenger train.

Government of Quebec

Tshiuetin Rail Transportation shows how the community is taking ownership of its economic development. It is also a great example of cooperation between the Innu and Naskapi communities in the North. To inhabit our North and bring it to life, as outlined in the Northern Action Plan, we will continue to support initiatives coming from the territory and its communities.

Hon. Ian Lafrenière

Northern Communities

For the communities living in the northern regions, the Tshiuetin railway line is at the heart of the economic development. Not only does it allow the communities and businesses it serves to maintain a regular land link between them, conducive to the transportation of people, goods and merchandise, but it also ensures and perpetuates a lasting presence of the Innu and Naskapi on Nitassinan. By investing in Indigenous infrastructure such as Tshiuetin Rail, all users of the territory will benefit from a modern, reliable and efficient transportation system.

Chief Réal McKenzie, Innu Nation of Matimekush-Lac John Chief Noah Swappie, Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach Chief Mike McKenzie, Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam

Tshiuetin Rail Transportation

I am thrilled to announce the advancement of several new projects for modernization of our operations, which represent Tshiuetin Rail Transportation’s commitment to strengthening economic collaboration and fostering mutually beneficial relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. With the financing and financial assistance from our partners announced today, we will expand our capacity to deliver on our mission to provide safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly services to our passengers and customers, while boosting our local economy through the creation of business and employment opportunities in the North.

Tanis Peterson, Director General and Chief Operation Officer

Fast facts

Improve rail service to Indigenous communities

Increase mobility, efficiency, safety and comfort

Creates new economic and employment opportunities

Reduce GHGs emissions along the corridor

Tshiuetin Rail Transportation Inc. is the first Indigenous-owned railway in Canada, and it is the lifeline for the northern communities it serves. Almost everything in Northeastern Quebec and Western Labrador region is transported by rail including food, fuel, building supplies, vehicles, household supplies and equipment, as well as medication. Community members rely on the rail service to access their remote and traditional hunting grounds safely.

Tshiuetin Rail is the only readily accessible link connecting Schefferville, Quebec, and three First Nations: the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam, the Innu Nation of Matimekush-Lac John, and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamac.

The investment will enable better service for the Indigenous communities along the route by increasing mobility, efficiency, safety as well as comfort. It will also improve the capacity and efficiency of freight services creating new economic and employment opportunities. Upgraded and fuel-efficient trains will also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions along the corridor.

Benefits of CIB involvement

This is our first investment as part of the CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII) launched in March 2021 to enable the development of new Indigenous infrastructure projects. We will advise on the development of the Tshiuetin Railway project which includes comprehensive commercial appraisal and financial modelling.

Learn more

Tshiuetin Rail Transportation Inc. - Opens in a new tab
Transport Canada - Opens in a new tab
The Société du Plan Nord - Opens in a new tab
CIB News Release

Disclaimer: Canada Infrastructure Bank, in its sole and absolute discretion, may choose to make available amendments, revisions, modifications or replacements to this website. This page will remain open for further revision, modification, replacement or cancellation by Canada Infrastructure Bank at any time and in no event shall Canada Infrastructure Bank be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on the content of this website. Photos courtesy of Tshiuetin Rail.