The federal government is almost ready to seek bids to build a new high-frequency rail line in Canada’s busiest transportation corridor, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced Tuesday morning. The project could cost as much as $12 billion and is to be completed by 2030, he said. (The Logic)

Talking point: The Liberals have been promising progress on a massive improvement to passenger rail between Toronto and Quebec City for years, including a commitment of $491.2 million in their last budget. In a Quebec City news conference, Alghabra said that money is proof they’re serious—and pointedly praised Quebec Liberal MPs for fighting for it. High-frequency rail would have dedicated tracks, instead of those Via currently shares with freight carriers, to run more trains faster and more reliably. Alghabra also said the government is set on an electrified system. The government said it will consult affected communities and Indigenous groups, and get input from potential bidders over the summer.