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.
Fast facts
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.