“I couldn’t be prouder to announce that we are getting closer to seeing a bigger and better Northlander train service running again very soon.”
An enthusiastic Premier Doug Ford, speaking at the 2025 ROMA Annual General Meeting and Conference on January 20th, says his government is on track to providing passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto. Last month, the province announced it had awarded a contract to EllisDon to begin platform reconstruction at stops in North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, and Cochrane. In each location, the government said, crews will install raised concrete platforms with improved accessibility, lighting and signage. The contract also includes the installation of pre-manufactured shelters at stops in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, and Temagami.
“I’ve got to give a shout out to Vic Fedeli (MPP for Nipissing and Minister of Economic Development). He’s been on this for the last 5-6 years, and finally we’re moving forward,” Ford said. “Last month we announced that construction is set to begin on new platforms at stops along the Northlander corridor route. That means communities stretching from here to Muskoka to North Bay to Timmins and all the stops in between will have easier access to more job opportunities, healthcare and education. The revived Northlander will also help unlock the province’s full economic potential by supporting northern industries and the resource sectors that are set to expand.”
A map of the proposed route for northeast passenger rail shows stops at Union Station (Toronto), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River, North Bay, Temagami, Timiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake (Swastika) Matheson and Timmins (South Porcupine) with a rail connection to Cochrane.
The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) is the rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Ford acknowledged that the province, including Ontario’s rural agri-sector, may have a rough road ahead as Donald Trump retakes the Oval Office.
“All of the measures that we have put in place support the economic vitality of rural Ontario, but we can’t ignore the uncertain times we are facing right now,” said the premier.
Trump has threatened to impose blanket 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the United States unless Canada strengthens its border and meets a NATO spending goal of two per cent GDP. Last week, Ford met with the other premiers along with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss the tariff threats and Canada’s response. The premiers issued a statement afterward pledging to work together to respond to the threats, including possible retaliatory tariffs.
Ford announced his first move this morning saying Kentucky bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and other American-made booze will be removed from LCBO stores if Trump makes good on his tariff threats.
“I’ve sent a direction to the LCBO that if these tariffs come to clear off every bit of U.S. alcohol off the shelves. Let’s start promoting Ontario-made wines and the vodkas and spirits. That’s what we need to do.”
“They will feel the pain,” the premier continued as his statement was met with applause. “I will make sure to communicate this to the other premiers to make sure they should be following suit.”
Canada previously imposed a tariff on U.S. bourbon and other goods in 2018 in response to Trump’s tax on Canadian steel and aluminum. The then president lifted that tariff in 2019, reimposed it briefly, and lifted it again in 2020.
Rumours of an early Ontario election continue to swirl at Queen’s Park. While the legislature is not set to resume sitting until March 3rd, Ford could bring MPPs back early to call an election. In the meantime, the premier is set to visit Washington on February 12th.
