The federal government will spend $4.7-billion to build and maintain more than 300 Via Rail passenger rail cars in Canada, using facilities in Quebec and Thunder Bay, Prime Minster Mark Carney announced Thursday.

At a news conference in the northwestern Ontario city, Mr. Carney said the move represents a shift away from importing trains from south of the border.

“For too long, we bought from abroad what we were more than capable of building right here at home. We’re bringing that work back, and we’re turbocharging it,” Mr. Carney said in prepared remarks.

In July, the Prime Minister announced $1.6-billion for the production of 45 new locomotives for VIA Rail as well as a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montreal.

The new trains announced Thursday will serve Via Rail’s long-distance and remote routes.