In an open letter to federal Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria highlighted two major road infrastructure projects requiring federal assistance – improvements to highways 11 & 17 and the proposed highway 401 tunnel.
The letter also underscored other freight and passenger transportation projects.
The Ontario Trucking Association will begin working with both levels of government to determine how the trucking industry is prioritized in these proposals.
“Prime Minister Carney and the premiers set a nation-building path for Canada,” said OTA Chair Bylsma. “The OTA will need to provide input into this process, so policy makers understand our perspective on needs and benefits to the industry. While this may sound like a simple exercise, transparency, coordination and confidence between industry and government will be crucial.”
Premier Doug Ford has given the nation-building meetings between the First Ministers a resounding endorsement, but noted that “nothing is yet carved in stone” and premiers await what specific projects will get the green light.
“OTA will also be meeting with our Board and will be posing the same types of questions to identify the critical projects the industry requires to increase productivity and improve efficiencies throughout the supply chain and economy,” said Bylsma. “Nation-building initiatives and the urgent needs of our sector are often aligned.
“Both the 401 and the Trans Canada are pivotal pieces that support Canada’s economy; both need urgent attention, but so do other projects in Ontario and across the country.”
In the meantime, OTA will be surveying drivers and carriers to identify their road preferred priorities, including the proposed 401 tunnel and much-needed needed improvements to highways 11/17.