AGENDA
Registration / Networking
Opening Remarks
Keynote: Presenting Partner Hitachi-Rail
Hackable Mobility: Cybersecurity and Digital Sovereignty in Passenger Rail and Subway.
As automated transit systems become prime targets for malicious actors, we cannot wait for a crisis to realize our mobility is hackable. This session examines where Canada is leading and where we are critically falling behind in transit cybersecurity. Panelists will tackle the urgent need for national cybersecurity standards, applied research, and domestic capacity development to ensure our networks are built securely to resist foreign interference.
Break
Alto’s First Kilometre: Accelerating the Montreal-Ottawa High-Speed Corridor
Canada's high-speed rail is officially underway with the Montreal-Ottawa segment. This panel explores the project's strategic value and how planners can overcome the socio-political hurdles of large-scale rail electrification.
Fireside chat: Building Rail with Canadian Jobs: Protecting National Sovereignty
Lunch
Keynote
Standardizing the Tracks: A Deep Dive into Preventing Geopolitical and Terrorist Cyber Attacks
There is an urgent need to fortify Canada’s mission-critical rail infrastructure against evolving digital threats. Experts will discuss progress toward developing foundational transit cybersecurity protocols and unified standards to bridge the regulatory gap currently leaving Canada’s rail infrastructure vulnerable to evolving digital threats.
Should Passenger Rail be Part of the Defense Network? Protecting Canada from Foreign Threats
Canadian rail is more than transit, it is a critical national security asset. This panel explores the strategic necessity of treating Canadian transit as a critical national security asset and a vital second line of defense.
Break
Retrofitting the Rails: Converting Legacy Diesel Locomotives to Hydrogen
Achieving zero emissions rail requires a dual focus on retrofitting legacy diesel trains and pioneering alternative fueling infrastructure. Highlighting CPKC’s successful hydrogen locomotive in Alberta, this panel explores the engineering complexities of clean-tech vehicle conversion alongside the supply chain innovations necessary to power them.
Closing Remarks
Conférence sur l’innovation ferroviaire 2026
La prochaine décennie du rail, réinventée.
Scarborough, Ontario · 8 JUILLET 2026
Une rencontre d’une journée sur l’avenir du rail canadien.
La Conférence sur l’innovation ferroviaire 2026 réunit des exploitants, des fabricants d’équipement d’origine (OEM), des organismes de réglementation et des chercheurs afin de faire face aux deux forces qui transforment le rail canadien : la résilience cybernétique et la décarbonisation de la propulsion. Attendez-vous à des sessions de travail, et non à des démonstrations — et à des décisions facilitées, pas à une liste de lecture plus longue.
Organisé à Scarborough, en Ontario, et soutenu par des conférences principales du partenaire présentateur Hitachi, le programme 2026 est structuré autour de travaux réalisés, de déploiements en direct et de l’évolution réglementaire qui façonne la prochaine décennie.
Une rencontre de l'écosystème ferroviaire.
Faits saillants de nos événements passés.
Retour sur les réunions précédentes — les conversations, les partenaires et les séances de travail qui ont façonné le programme 2026.
Propulsé par les leaders du rail de demain.
Hitachi est le partenaire principal de la Conférence sur l'innovation ferroviaire 2026 et animera la conférence d'ouverture du programme sur la cyberrésilience dans les transports modernes.
Horaire de la conférence
Inscription / Réseautage
Remarques d'ouverture
Conférence principale : Hitachi-Rail, partenaire principal
Mobilité piratable : cybersécurité et souveraineté numérique dans le transport ferroviaire et métropolitain de voyageurs.
Alors que les systèmes de transport automatisés deviennent des cibles de choix pour les acteurs malveillants, nous ne pouvons pas attendre une crise pour prendre conscience de la vulnérabilité de nos transports. Cette session examinera les domaines où le Canada est à l'avant-garde et ceux où il accuse un retard important en matière de cybersécurité des transports. Les panélistes aborderont l'urgence d'établir des normes nationales de cybersécurité, de mener des recherches appliquées et de renforcer les capacités nationales afin d'assurer la sécurité de nos réseaux et leur résistance aux ingérences étrangères.
Rupture
Premier kilomètre d'Alto : Accélérer le corridor à grande vitesse Montréal-Ottawa
Le projet de train à grande vitesse du Canada est officiellement lancé avec le tronçon Montréal-Ottawa. Ce panel examine la valeur stratégique du projet et la manière dont les urbanistes peuvent surmonter les obstacles sociopolitiques liés à l'électrification ferroviaire à grande échelle.
Discussion informelle : Bâtir un réseau ferroviaire avec des emplois canadiens : Protéger la souveraineté nationale
Dîner
Conférence principale
Normaliser les voies de communication : une analyse approfondie de la prévention des cyberattaques géopolitiques et terroristes
Il est urgent de renforcer l’infrastructure ferroviaire essentielle du Canada contre l’évolution des menaces numériques. Des experts discuteront des progrès réalisés dans l’élaboration de protocoles fondamentaux de cybersécurité pour le transport en commun et de normes unifiées afin de combler le vide réglementaire qui rend actuellement l’infrastructure ferroviaire canadienne vulnérable à ces menaces.
Le transport ferroviaire de voyageurs doit-il faire partie du réseau de défense? Protéger le Canada contre les menaces étrangères
Le réseau ferroviaire canadien est bien plus qu'un simple moyen de transport : il constitue un atout essentiel pour la sécurité nationale. Ce panel examine la nécessité stratégique de considérer le transport en commun canadien comme un atout essentiel pour la sécurité nationale et une deuxième ligne de défense vitale.
Rupture
Modernisation du réseau ferroviaire : Conversion des locomotives diesel classiques à hydrogène
Pour parvenir à un transport ferroviaire à zéro émission, il est essentiel de mettre l'accent sur la modernisation des trains diesel existants et le développement d'infrastructures de ravitaillement alternatives. Ce panel, qui met en lumière le succès de la locomotive à hydrogène de CPKC en Alberta, explore les complexités techniques de la conversion des véhicules aux technologies propres ainsi que les innovations nécessaires à la chaîne d'approvisionnement pour les alimenter.
Remarques finales
Ce que vous emporterez.
Un programme ciblé, conçu pour que chaque participant reparte avec des décisions facilitées — et non avec une liste de lecture interminable.
Posture cybernétique nationale
Un portrait clair de la position de chef de file du secteur ferroviaire canadien en matière de cybersécurité, et de ses principales vulnérabilités.
Guide pratique du corridor Alto
Leçons stratégiques et sociopolitiques tirées du tronçon à grande vitesse Montréal-Ottawa.
Voies de conversion à l'hydrogène
Les réalités techniques de la conversion du diesel traditionnel à l'hydrogène, tirées du programme albertain de CPKC.
Rail de qualité militaire
Que signifie considérer le transport ferroviaire de voyageurs comme une infrastructure essentielle à la sécurité nationale ?
Normes & souveraineté
Progrès vers des protocoles unifiés de cybersécurité dans les transports en commun et renforcement des capacités canadiennes.
Réseaux de pairs
Des forums structurés mettant en relation les opérateurs, les équipementiers, les organismes de réglementation et les chercheurs.
Vous voulez commanditer cet événement ?
Associez votre marque aux organisations qui façonnent l'avenir du transport ferroviaire canadien. Joignez-vous à plus de 75 décideurs des secteurs de l'exploitation, de la fabrication d'équipement d'origine, de la réglementation et de la recherche. Différents niveaux de commandites sont offerts, avec des activations personnalisées.
5th Annual Rail Innovation Conference 2026
The 5th Annual Rail Innovation Conference is the essential forum for tackling the most significant operational and environmental challenges in Canadian rail.
Cyber Resilience in Rail: The agenda is heavily focused on achieving robust security. Experts will present the current cybersecurity standards, innovative defense solutions, and real-world challenges of protecting interconnected rail systems and passenger data.
Propulsion and Decarbonization: Explore the current status of Canada’s transition to zero- and low-carbon emissions propulsion. Key sessions will analyze the feasibility, infrastructure requirements, and regulatory landscape for hydrogen rail and the integration of battery electric bus technologies with rail station charging equipment, moving towards a sustainable future.
FEATURED
Recordings
Registration for this event is now closed. Purchase our session recordings to catch up on what you missed!
Members
- CUTRIC Member pricing for all conference session recordings
- 20% off regular price!
Non-Members
- Non-Member pricing for all conference session recordings
- Regular price
SPEAKERS
Aaron Amorim
Chief Software Architect, Hitachi Rail
Alexandre Lampron
Director - Strategies and Development, Hydrogène Québec
Ashish Soni
OT Cybersecurity Manager, B.C. Rapid Transit Company (SkyTrain)
Dr. Mitra Mirhassani
Co-Director, SHIELD Automotive Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence | Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Windsor
Dr. Yili (Kelly) Tang
Assistant Professor (Transportation), Western University
Ian Hodkinson
Business Development Director, Technical - Transit Systems North America, Alstom
Jenny Bo-ot
Project Lead: Academic and Commercial Innovatio, CUTRIC
Jess Smith
Manager: Commercialization & Operations, CUTRIC
Dr. Josipa Petrunic
President & CEO, CUTRIC
Kaden Killpack
Commercial Project Manager, Stadler Rail
Kevin Volk
Assistant Deputy Minister, B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit
Lucie Anderton
Director of Sustainability, Union of International Railways (UIC)
Maike Althaus
Executive Director - Hydrogen Ontario, Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA)
Mukul Asthana
Research & Innovation Task Force, OSPE (Ontario Society of Professional Engineers)
Nicolas Pocard
Vice President Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, Ballard
Pierre-Yves Boivin
Chief Communications and Engagement Officer
Sean Stephenson
Counsel, Dentons Canada LLP
Shaun Miller
Deputy Executive Officer, Project Management (ZEB Infrastructure), L.A. Metro
Terence Johnson
President, Transport Action Canada
Paul Lopes
Vice-President Rail - Transdev, CEO & General Manager - Ontario Line Services
Thomas Acher
Head of Process Design & Development, Linde Engineering
OUR SPONSORS
01.
VIRTUAL NETWORKING
Network with industry leaders, policymakers and technology providers.
02.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Gain deep insights into the latest smart rail innovations and trends.
03.
REAL-WORLD CASE STUDIES
Explore real-world case studies, challenges and success stories.
COLLABORATE
Brainstorm with peers to address common challenges and find innovative solutions.
STAY AHEAD
Stay ahead of the curve in the expanding field of rail and its growth in Canada.
SHOWCASE YOUR COMMITMENT
Showcase your organization’s commitment to sustainability and transit innovation.
AGENDA
Opening and Welcome
VirtualRethinking Rail: Bold ideas for a smarter, more connected Canada with M.P. Philip Lawrence
British Columbia's fast-track vision with ADM Kevin Volk, B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit
Hydrogen horizons: Can hydrail transform Canada's sustainable rail future? (Concurrent)
VirtualHydrogen-powered rail is emerging as a promising solution for decarbonizing Canada's transportation sector, particularly for regions where electrification is not feasible. The technology offers a cleaner alternative to diesel-powered trains, with potential benefits for both passenger and freight services. In Canada, hydrogen rail initiatives are progressing with pilot projects demonstrating the viability of hydrogen fuel cell trains for passenger service, highlighting their ability to operate on non-electrified tracks while significantly reducing emissions. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen rail in Canada faces several challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the development of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, including production, storage and refueling facilities, which is essential to support large-scale operations. This panel will explore the current state of hydrogen rail in Canada, discussing ongoing projects, technological innovations and the opportunities for scaling hydrogen-powered systems nationwide. Experts will delve into how the Canadian rail sector can navigate the technical and logistical hurdles, while also considering the role of hydrogen rail in achieving Canada's sustainability goals.
Cybersecure rail: Safeguarding Canada's systems in an age of digital threats (Concurrent)
VirtualAs Canada's passenger rail systems continue to modernize with digital technologies, the sector is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. The integration of advanced operational systems designed to improve efficiency, safety, and passenger experience also exposes critical infrastructure to potential cyberattacks. This panel will explore the current state of cybersecurity in Canada's passenger rail sector, addressing key challenges such as legacy systems that may not meet modern cybersecurity standards, and the growing complexity of interconnected digital systems that expand the potential attack surface. Panelists will discuss the most pressing threats facing Canadian rail, including ransomware attacks, data breaches, and the increasing risk to critical infrastructure. With the rise of cyber incidents globally, including targeted attacks on rail systems in Europe and North America, it’s clear that cybersecurity must be a priority. The discussion will also cover the importance of regulatory compliance and the role of cybersecurity standards in protecting rail systems from emerging threats. Experts will examine strategies for mitigating risk, such as upgrading legacy systems, adopting advanced security technologies, and implementing workforce training programs. Collaboration between government agencies, private-sector stakeholders, and industry experts will also be explored as a critical element in strengthening the resilience of Canada's rail networks. Attendees will gain insights into proactive measures necessary to ensure that Canada's rail networks remain secure, resilient, and safe for passengers in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Unveiling Alto—Finding the right cadence for Canada's high-speed railvolution
VirtualAlto is set to redefine intercity mobility as Canada’s first high-speed rail network, with trains reaching 300 km/h and linking Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and Quebec City. This unprecedented project marks a new era in Canadian rail, promising faster, more efficient and sustainable transportation while unlocking economic growth, reducing emissions and reshaping national infrastructure. In this exclusive Fireside Chat, CUTRIC sits down with Alto’s Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, Pierre-Yves Boivin, to discuss the project’s short-, medium- and long-term vision. What will Alto’s development look like in the coming years? How will it integrate with existing transit networks and leverage new rail technologies? What regulatory, financial and operational challenges must be addressed to ensure success? Don't miss this opportunity to engage directly with the team shaping Canada’s next great rail revolution.
Break—Visit our Virtual Exhibitors!
Transport Canada
Centennial College
The other subway: Light-rail transit as the backbone of modern cities
VirtualLight Rail Transit (LRT) systems are pivotal in shaping sustainable urban mobility across Canadian cities, having emerged as a key solution to address growing urban mobility needs. However, widespread adoption is fraught with challenges including escalating costs, construction delays and integration hurdles. This panel delves into the role of technological innovation in LRT and common obstacles encountered in projects, drawing on recent Canadian experiences. Panelists will explore strategies to mitigate such challenges, highlighting lessons learned from past LRT projects to outline the road towards smoother development and implementation. From the common hurdles faced in LRT implementation, such as cost overruns, project delays and technical challenges that can disrupt service, to significant opportunities like LRT systems' potential to drive economic growth by connecting key urban centers, improving accessibility and reducing environmental impacts. Attendees will gain insights into best practices and lessons learned, equipping them to navigate the complexities of LRT projects and contribute to the advancement of sustainable urban transit solutions in Canada. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how LRT can shape the future of urban mobility in Canada and contribute to more sustainable, livable cities.
From Vision to Reality: Fuel Cell Systems for Hydrogen Rail with Ballard and CPKC
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has placed an order for Ballard Power Systems' FCwave™ hydrogen fuel cell engines to power their vehicles in Alberta. The integration of two Ballard FCwave™ zero emissions engines into each CPKC unit will provide a total of approximately 20 MW of clean power, supporting the expansion of CPKC’s successful hydrogen locomotive program. This order builds on a partnership that began in 2021, during which Ballard has already delivered 10 MW of fuel cell engines. These engines have been successfully integrated into hydrogen-powered locomotives for switching and freight service applications in Alberta. The new fuel cell engines will help CPKC further reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in its operations, setting a new standard for clean energy in the rail industry. This collaboration highlights the growing role of hydrogen in decarbonizing heavy-duty transport across Canada.
Break—Visit our Virtual Exhibitors!
Transport Canada
Centennial College
High-Speed Rail in Canada: How are we stacking up? (Concurrent)
Canada has committed to moving forward with high-speed rail (HSR) to connect major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Quebec City. However, the question remains: Is this ambitious high-speed rail project enough to position Canada as a global leader in rail transportation, alongside the well-established systems in Europe and Asia? As Canada embarks on this significant journey, what are the critical next steps needed to ensure the country’s HSR network meets the demands of its diverse population, geography, and transportation needs? This panel will explore the path ahead for Canada’s high-speed rail future, analyzing the technical, financial, and operational considerations of HSR development. Experts will assess whether Canada can truly catch up to its global counterparts in Europe and Asia, where high-speed rail has long been a cornerstone of national infrastructure. Our discussion will focus on the infrastructure challenges of building new dedicated corridors for HSR, the financial investments required for long-term success, and how the Canadian project can meet the country’s unique needs. Additionally, we’ll explore the lessons Canada can learn from international HSR systems, and whether the vision for Canadian high-speed rail can provide the scale, speed, and connectivity needed to transform national transportation.
Double charge: Integrating heavy-duty bus and coach charging at rail stations nationwide (Concurrent)
VirtualJoin us for an electrifying panel discussion that delves into the seamless integration of battery electric buses with rail station charging equipment. As public transportation undergoes a green revolution, the convergence of electric buses and rail systems offers a promising solution to reduce emissions and enhance urban mobility. This panel will explore the practical and technical challenges of integrating high-capacity charging infrastructure that serves both rail and road-based electric heavy-duty buses and coaches, focusing on the coordination required to make such systems compatible and effective. Experts will delve into the latest innovations in charging technologies, from fast-charging solutions to wireless systems, and discuss how these can be deployed at rail stations to support growing fleets of electric buses and coaches. We'll also consider factors such as power supply demands, grid capacity, and the logistical complexities of managing charging schedules across different transit modes, while addressing the policy considerations of such integration.
Fireside Chat: U.S. trade shifts and the future of Canada’s rail supply chains
VirtualIn the context of a new U.S. administration and the recent imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian exports, including steel and aluminum, this panel explores the impact of American federal policies, trade regulations and rail infrastructure investments on North America’s integrated rail supply chain. As the U.S. advances major passenger and freight rail projects, Canadian suppliers must navigate new trade barriers, shifting procurement rules, and evolving cross-border partnerships to remain competitive. Panelists will discuss the broader implications of U.S. trade and industrial policies, including how recent tariffs, Buy America restrictions and investment incentives affect cross-border rail operations, supply chain resilience and the movement of goods and technology across Canada. The discussion will also examine the potential of Canada’s own rail infrastructure investments, such as the $3.9 billion Alto high-speed rail project and recent freight rail upgrades in Alberta and British Columbia, in offsetting trade uncertainties and fostering domestic supply chain strength. Additionally, the panel will explore cross-border collaboration, policy alignment and strategies to navigate these challenges, sharing insights into trade policy impacts, procurement opportunities and supply chain adaptations, with a forward-looking perspective on the future of Canada-U.S. rail networks in a rapidly shifting political and economic landscape.
Closing
Our President & CEO, Dr. Josipa Petrunic, shares reflections on the day's insightful discussions and outlines the next steps for advancing Canada's sustainable rail future.
