VIA Rail & Jane Goodall Institute Forge National Green Partnership

MONTRÉAL, QC – April 22, 2026 – In a landmark announcement on Earth Day, VIA Rail Canada has forged a significant partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGI Canada), stepping up as a national sponsor for the newly launched 'Jane Goodall Hike for Hope'. The collaboration honors the enduring legacy of the world-renowned conservationist and aims to mobilize Canadians toward collective environmental action, reinforcing the power of individual choices in creating a sustainable future.

The partnership is deeply rooted in a shared philosophy and history. Dr. Jane Goodall was a known advocate for sustainable travel, and throughout her life, she prioritized rail, having traveled on VIA Rail trains during several visits to Canada. This alliance brings that spirit full circle, connecting Canada's national passenger rail service with a powerful call to action for the planet.

A Legacy of Hope: The Jane Goodall Hike for Hope

At the heart of the partnership is VIA Rail's sponsorship of the inaugural 'Jane Goodall Hike for Hope', a national event designed to connect Canadians with nature while raising critical funds for conservation. Scheduled for October 3rd and 4th, 2026, the event poignantly marks the first anniversary of Dr. Goodall's passing, transforming a moment of remembrance into a nationwide movement of "hope in action."

The initiative invites people of all ages across the country to "lace up, step into the outdoors, and raise funds" for the Institute's work. With no registration fee or minimum fundraising requirement, the event is designed for maximum accessibility. Participants can hike solo or in teams, choosing their own path, distance, and location, from remote wilderness trails to local urban parks.

The funds raised will have a global and local impact. Proceeds will support JGI Canada's community-led conservation programs in Africa, provide essential care for rescued chimpanzees and other wildlife at the Tchimpounga Sanctuary in the Republic of Congo, and empower Canadian youth. The Institute's Roots & Shoots program, which is active in 75 countries, currently engages over 14,000 young people across Canada in leading their own environmental and community projects.

For the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, the partnership amplifies Dr. Goodall's core message. As Bella Lam, President and CEO, notes, "Jane Goodall's legacy calls on us to act: every action has an impact. This partnership helps bring that vision to life by encouraging responsible, accessible choices rooted in everyday life -- whether by taking the train or taking action for the planet."

All Aboard for Sustainability: VIA Rail’s Green Track Record

This collaboration is a natural extension of VIA Rail’s long-term commitment to sustainability. Since 2021, the corporation has been implementing a comprehensive sustainable development plan aimed at shrinking its environmental footprint and cementing its role as a leader in responsible transportation. This strategy is central to helping Canada meet its national climate goals, including the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The results of these efforts are tangible. As of its latest progress report, VIA Rail has reduced its absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 32.1% compared to its 2005 baseline, exceeding its initial targets. The company is now on track toward its 2030 objective of reducing GHG emissions by 30% or more. This progress is driven by significant investments and innovations, including the introduction of a new, more fuel-efficient fleet of trains serving the busy Quebec City-Windsor corridor. Furthermore, the company is piloting EcoRail, an artificial intelligence-enabled software designed to provide locomotive engineers with real-time driving recommendations that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%.

Passenger rail remains one of Canada’s most environmentally friendly modes of transport. Travel by train in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor is 1.8 times more energy-efficient than driving and 3.2 times more efficient than flying. Overall, trains produce up to 85% fewer emissions than planes and 76% fewer than cars, making the choice to take the train a direct contribution to reducing the transportation sector's climate impact.

"This partnership reflects a simple belief: the choices we make every day matter," said Philippe Normand, Vice-President, Communications and Marketing at VIA Rail. "By offering a more sustainable transportation option, we want to enable more Canadians to take concrete action for the planet."

From Train to Trail: Connecting Communities with Nature

A unique aspect of this partnership lies in VIA Rail’s extensive network, which connects more than 400 communities across Canada. This vast reach serves as a practical bridge for Canadians, linking urban centers to the country’s immense natural landscapes and transforming the journey itself into part of the environmental experience. The "train to trail" concept is more than a slogan; it represents a tangible way to make nature more accessible without relying on higher-emission forms of transport.

This physical connection deepens the symbolic alignment between the two organizations. By facilitating access to the very wilderness that conservation efforts aim to protect, VIA Rail is positioned as a key enabler of environmental engagement. For many Canadians, particularly those in large cities, the railway provides a vital corridor to provincial and national parks, hiking trails, and conservation areas, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The authenticity of this connection is further strengthened by Dr. Goodall's own documented preference for rail travel. Her choice to use trains, including VIA Rail's service during her Canadian tours, was a conscious decision aligned with her environmental principles. This historical fact provides a powerful narrative backbone for the partnership, illustrating that the link between sustainable transport and conservation leadership is not a new marketing concept but a long-held conviction.

A Strategic Alliance Forging a Greener Path

The collaboration between VIA Rail and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada represents a model for strategic corporate-non-profit alliances. For VIA Rail, aligning with a globally respected environmental organization enhances its brand as a socially responsible and sustainable leader. It moves beyond operational metrics to actively engage customers and the public in a shared mission, reinforcing its identity in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

For JGI Canada, the partnership provides an invaluable national platform. VIA Rail's brand recognition and coast-to-coast presence will significantly amplify the reach of the Hike for Hope, helping to mobilize a diverse and geographically broad base of supporters. This expanded reach is crucial for both fundraising and spreading Dr. Goodall's message that every individual has a role to play in protecting the planet.

Ultimately, the partnership sends a cohesive and powerful message on this Earth Day: that sustainability is a collective effort built on individual actions. Whether it's choosing to travel by rail, participating in a community hike, or supporting conservation work, these choices ripple outward, contributing to the larger tide of positive change that Dr. Goodall championed throughout her extraordinary life. The initiative effectively bridges the gap between large-scale corporate responsibility and grassroots community action, creating a powerful synergy for a greener future.