By Rosalind Russell – A private members motion declaring the expansion and modernization of highways 11 and 17 a project of national significance has passed at Queens Park.
Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof’s motion received approval a day after two Conservative ministers penned a letter to Ottawa calling for federal support to accelerate the continued widening of highways 11 and 17.
Timmins MPP George Pirie and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria wrote to the federal Transport Minister, calling on the feds to connect northern Ontario to the rest of Canada.
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities says the Highway 11 and 17 corridors are essential to the movements of goods, development of natural resources and most importantly the safety of Northerners.
FONOM says now’s the time for the feds to step up as a full partner, echoing the letter’s 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 Richard Coffin
Photo of Highway 17 by Rosalind Russell
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