At least two of three levels of government agree widening Highways 11 and 17 is of national importance.
Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof’s motion declaring the expansion and modernization of Highways 11 and 17 a project of national significance has passed at Queens Park.
It comes a day two Conservative ministers penned a letter to Ottawa calling for federal support to accelerate the continued widening of 11 and 17.
Timmins MPP George Pirie and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria penned a letter to the federal Transport Minister on Monday.
“Ontario continues to make significant investments and advance work to improve and widen these critical arteries,” writes Pirie in a social media post. “Now, we are asking the federal government to help accelerate this project of national significance with serious funding and by removing duplicative federal review processes.”
Dave Plourde, President of FONOM, says the northern group is encouraged to see the province clearly articulate the national importance of Highways 11 and 17.
“These corridors are essential to the movement of goods, to the development of our natural resources, and most importantly, to the safety of Northerners. Federal participation will be key to accelerating meaningful improvements,” he says.
The federation says now’s the time for the feds to step up as a full partner, echoing the letters statements that the highways are also vital to Canada’s economic security and defence readiness, particularly as demand grows for northern minerals and resources.
**With files from Brad Aubin
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