Discussion · Government Orders
Eric Melillo Conservative
“The government needs to help pay for upgrades to Highway 17 between Thunder Bay and Manitoba. Right now, only Ontario and local communities are paying for it. This road is dangerous, and crashes shut it down and stop goods from moving across the country.”
“Mr. Speaker, as to the first part of the question about highways, it is noteworthy that the federal government, the Liberal government, has allocated support to certain sections of the Trans-Canada Highway across the country, but none to Highway 17 through northwestern Ontario between Thunder Bay and the Manitoba border. The construction that has started for the first few kilometres is solely funded and supported by the Province of Ontario, working in partnership with local first nations and municipalities as well. That is a critical area of the country for travel. I am sure the member would agree that it is of critical importance not just for the safety of travellers, as there are frequent accidents, but for our economic efficiency as well. Every time there are closures and accidents, it stops goods from flowing east to west. I hope the Liberals get on board and recognize how important the Trans-Canada Highway through northwest Ontario is.”
Mr. Speaker, as to the first part of the question about highways, it is noteworthy that the federal government, the Liberal government, has allocated support to certain sections of the Trans-Canada Highway across the country, but none to Highway 17 through northwestern Ontario between Thunder Bay and the Manitoba border. The construction that has started for the first few kilometres is solely funded and supported by the Province of Ontario, working in partnership with local first nations and municipalities as well. That is a critical area of the country for travel. I am sure the member would agree that it is of critical importance not just for the safety of travellers, as there are frequent accidents, but for our economic efficiency as well. Every time there are closures and accidents, it stops goods from flowing east to west. I hope the Liberals get on board and recognize how important the Trans-Canada Highway through northwest Ontario is.