Fletcher Welcomes Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Agreement

July 24, 2008

OTTAWA — Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood–St. James–Assiniboia, welcomes the framework agreement between the Conservative government and the Government of Ontario announced today, and in particular the priority project identified to improve Highway 11/17 from the Manitoba border.

“Identifying this project as a priority is an important step toward improving the roadways that tens of thousands of Manitobans use every year,” said Fletcher. “Whether it is a family heading for a cottage or camping trip, or a Manitoba trucker making a living, this announcement will greatly improve the safety of all Manitobans while on the road in north-western Ontario.”

Steven went on to add, “I have enjoyed working closely with my colleague the Honourable Joe Comuzzi (MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North) to raise the profile of these critically needed improvements to this stretch of highway for the benefit of Manitobans, north-western Ontarians and all Canadians as they travel across our nation. I look forward to similar projects being identified on the Manitoba side of the border following the signing of the Building Canada Framework Agreement by our provincial government.”

The governments of Canada and Ontario identified safety improvements on Highway 17 in north-western Ontario, including Highway 11/17 (the Thunder Bay Expressway) as a priority under Building Canada, the Government of Canada’s long-term infrastructure plan. This project will also involve the widening of the highway, by creating new passing lanes and extensions to existing passing lanes.

The Honourable Vic Toews, President of Treasury Board, the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines, and the Honourable Joe Comuzzi, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, participated in today’s announcement in Kenora.

Subsequent project approvals will also be subject to the signing of a contribution agreement detailing specific project elements and capital costs to the mutual satisfaction of Canada and Ontario, securing any necessary federal and provincial Treasury Board approvals and the successful conclusion of any necessary environmental assessments.

Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better country.