Alberta's Game-Changing Rail Project: How a New Passenger Line Will Create Thousands of Jobs and Boost the Economy

Major Collaboration for Calgary-Banff Passenger Rail

Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU), Building Trades of Alberta (BTA), and Friends of Calgary Airport–Banff Rail (CABR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the Calgary Airport–Banff passenger rail system. This agreement marks a significant step from planning to construction, promising substantial economic and employment benefits for Alberta.

Economic and Job Creation Impact

The CABR project is positioned as one of Canada's most shovel-ready passenger rail initiatives. Independent analysis estimates that construction will support approximately 9,900 job-years, equivalent to roughly 1,700 full-time jobs, and generate nearly $700 million in economic output over a three-year build. Additionally, hundreds of permanent operational jobs will be created, with long-term projections indicating support for over 22,000 jobs through tourism and related economic activity.

Key Statements from Leaders

• Sean Strickland, Executive Director of CBTU: "Canada has the workforce and the need. This agreement reflects our members' readiness to build nation-building infrastructure that delivers good jobs and long-term public value."
• Terry Parker, Executive Director of BTA: "Alberta's building trades are ready to build. Investing in projects like CABR puts Albertans to work, supports apprentices, and delivers infrastructure that strengthens the province."
• Adam Waterous, Chair of Liricon Capital: "Passenger rail from the airport through downtown Calgary to Banff is more than transportation, it's an economic development strategy. This MOU demonstrates alignment between labour, proponents, and advocates."

Project Details and Benefits

The 150-kilometre passenger rail system will connect Calgary International Airport to downtown Calgary and extend to Banff, primarily using an existing CPKC rail corridor. This design allows for faster implementation compared to typical greenfield projects. Key benefits include:

• Improved labour mobility and reduced congestion
• Support for the visitor economy and economic diversification
• Emphasis on safety, quality, apprenticeship training, and inclusive workforce development

Supporting Initiatives

The project includes the Calgary Airport–Downtown Express (CADE), a high-frequency service identified as a Provincial priority. CABR has been submitted to the federal Major Projects Office as a Project of National Interest, highlighting its significance for Canada's infrastructure landscape.

Organizational Backgrounds

• CBTU: Represents 600,000 skilled trades workers in Canada, contributing six per cent of the country's GDP.
• BTA: Coordinates 60,000 unionized skilled trades workers in Alberta, focusing on industry growth and representation.
• Friends of CABR: Advocates for the rail project to enhance regional connectivity and economic opportunities.

This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to building major infrastructure that creates good-paying union jobs, strengthens Alberta's economy, and demonstrates Canada's capability in delivering transformative projects.