VIA RAIL BECOMES PARTNER OF THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE OF CANADA AND SPONSOR OF THE HIKE FOR HOPE

Montréal, April 22, 2026 – VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) today announces a partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, as well as sponsorship of the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope, a new national initiative inviting Canadians to take action for the environment. 

On Earth Day, this announcement highlights a simple reality: when individual actions add up, they can drive meaningful collective change—and help carry forward Jane Goodall’s legacy. 

Throughout her life, Jane Goodall embodied this idea. Among her choices, she prioritized rail travel, including during her visits to Canada — and VIA Rail had the honour of welcoming her on board its trains on several occasions. 

This partnership also takes shape through VIA Rail’s support of the Hike for Hope, an initiative encouraging Canadians to step outside, reconnect with nature, and mobilize their communities around environmental action. 

With a network connecting more than 400 communities across the country, VIA Rail also provides access to a wide range of natural spaces, helping bridge the journey from train… to trail. 

“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.” 

This belief is reflected in ongoing efforts to make VIA Rail’s operations more sustainable. Since 2021, the company has been implementing a sustainable development plan aimed at reducing its environmental footprint, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening its role as a responsible transportation provider. Passenger rail remains one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation, helping reduce the impact of the transportation sector on climate change. 

For the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, this partnership aligns with Jane Goodall’s 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.”