What does Canada's choice to invest in high-speed rail over a new university illustrate?

The choice of Canada to invest in high-speed rail instead of a new university demonstrates that the marginal benefit of developing the high-speed rail is considered greater than that of establishing a new university. This concept revolves around the idea of opportunity cost, which is what you must forgo to pursue an option. In this scenario, the decision reflects an assessment of the benefits associated with high-speed rail—such as improved transportation efficiency, economic stimulation through infrastructure development, and enhanced connectivity that could have broad economic impacts—over the benefits that a new university would provide.

When making investments, governments evaluate the potential returns and advantages that various projects might bring to society. By choosing high-speed rail, Canada is recognizing that the immediate or projected benefits of transportation infrastructure outweigh those of increased educational capacity from a new university, indicating a strategic prioritization based on expected outcomes for the overall economy and public good.