Rail Transportation Infrastructure and Modal Integration Support Program — Studies

• For projects under Stream 3 – Studies, the program provides up to $250,000 per fiscal year per organization, with a maximum total of $750,000 for the entire program duration.
• When the study report remains under the applicant's control, financial assistance can reach up to 33.33% of eligible expenses, and the applicant's contribution must be at least 50% of eligible costs.
• If the study report is made public, financial assistance can reach up to 66.67% of eligible expenses, and the applicant's contribution must be at least 25% of eligible costs.
• Other sources of funding may be included in the project's financial structure.

• The applicant must be a legally constituted company, railway company, economic development organization, development corporation, chamber of commerce, or municipal organization located in Quebec.
• The project must consist of eligible studies, such as technical studies, feasibility studies, market studies, business plans, master or development plans, strategic development plans, or scientific studies/tests related to the rail transport sector.
• The applicant must not be a consulting firm or a similar organization.
• The applicant and its subcontractors must not be listed in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
• The applicant must have the expertise and financial capacity to complete the proposed project.

Who is eligible?

• Economic development organizations
• Chambers of commerce
• Development corporations
• Railway companies
• Legally constituted companies in Quebec
• Municipal organizations

Who is not eligible

• Consulting firms and similar organizations.
• Applicants or their subcontractors listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
• Entities that have failed to comply with previous financial aid obligations after being formally notified by a Quebec government ministry or agency.

Eligible expenses

• Professional fees and honoraria directly related to the study.
• Purchase of specialized data required for conducting the study.
• Purchase or rental of specialized equipment specific to the project.
• Contingency costs, up to a maximum of 15% of the total study cost.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec

• Contribution of the project to maintaining or improving the state of railway transport infrastructure considered important for Quebec’s transport system and regional economy.
• Contribution of the project to enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the railway and transport network in Quebec.
• Contribution of the project to strengthening railway transport safety.
• Benefits and value of the project for users in terms of economic, financial, and logistical aspects.
• Availability of program budget.

• Progress reports must be submitted annually for projects not completed by January 31 following aid approval.
• Recipients must retain and use assets acquired with the financial aid exclusively for the intended purpose for five years after project completion.
• The Ministry reserves the right to audit and inspect supported projects on site at any time during or after project implementation.
• All beneficiaries are required to comply with provincial laws, regulations, and obtain necessary permits before project execution.