The Long Walk to be Heard ended in Ottawa on Thursday, November 12 with messages not only for the Prime Minister and other members of the federal government, but also for His Majesty the King.
The walk, led by East Hawkesbury residents and anti-Alto high-speed rail activists Kristin Muller and Kathleen O’Connell Renaud began on Sunday, November 8 in St-Eugène and continued along the Prescott and Russell and into the City of Ottawa on Thursday.
The more than 100-kilometre walk was held as a way of stating opposition to the proposed Alto project and to demonstrate that those opposed to it feel as though their concerns are not being taken seriously by the federal government and the Alto crown corporation responsible for the project.
After departing the railway station on Tremblay Road on Thursday, the walk continued to its final destination, Rideau Hall, residence of Her Excellency Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada and representative of King Charles III. Muller and O’Connell Renaud delivered a symbolic petition to the King.
“The initiative draws on a centuries-old tradition of ordinary citizens bringing their grievances before the Crown when they feel established channels of authority have failed to hear and address their concerns,” stated a press release issued by ALT-NO, one of the organizations opposed to the rail project.
The petition calls for the voices of affected communities to be heard and acknowledged through meaningful public consultation and transparent parliamentary discussion. It also raises concerns about the project’s potential long-term financial burden on Canadians. Organizers emphasized that the appeal is not a request for the King to intervene in Parliament or override Canada’s democratic institutions. Rather, it is a symbolic appeal for recognition of the concerns of Canadians who feel their voices have not been adequately heard.
“The people and communities affected by ALTO seek to fully comprehend project impacts beforeany land is acquired. We deserve answers to the questions we have been asking since the beginning of the year,” the press release further explained.
An announcement of a corridor for the Ottawa to Montréal line is expected before the end of 2026 with further public consultations to follow. Many of the residents opposed to the project are disappointed with the lack of clear communication from Alto about the plans.
The Review contacted Rideau Hall to find out how petitions to the King and Governor General are received and managed. According to spokesperson Julianne Veraldi, correspondence received by the Office of the Secretary of the Governor General is reviewed and handled in accordance with established procedures.
In this instance, the petition was received, the Governor General was informed, and the petition will be forwarded to the appropriate government officials,” Veraldi said.
An appeal on behalf of farmers, landowners and rural communities affected by the proposed ALTO High-Speed Rail Project, addressed to The Prime Minister, Minister of Transport, Minister of Agriculture, and the MP for Prescott-Russell-Cumberland, was also sent by the organizers of The Long Walk to be Heard.
