For Immediate Release
December 21, 2006

Businesses, Residents of Durham Region paying for
McGuinty government inaction on Highway 407 extension

(Queen’s Park) – Durham Region MPPs John O’Toole and Christine Elliott teamed up in the Legislature today, calling on Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield to fast-track the eastward extension of Highway 407 through Durham to Highway 35/115, as promised.

“Minister, over a year ago the Region of Durham passed a resolution supporting the extension of Highway 407,” stated Durham MPP John O’Toole, during Question Period today.  “A year later, this government is dragging its feet.”

The resolution would see the expedited extension of Highway 407 eastward through the region with no additional delays.  The government’s inaction thus far, however, is beginning to look like yet another McGuinty broken promise.  As the government dithers on this file, businesses and community residents are paying the price.

“We just heard less than a month ago that the Sobey’s Distribution Center in Whitby, a facility that employs 750 people, will be down-sized due to the construction of a new centre in Vaughan. This past summer, 1000 jobs were lost at GM in Oshawa,” remarked Whitby-Ajax MPP Christine Elliott.  “Minister, you know that enhancing infrastructure to ensure the flow of goods and labour is vital for economic growth.”   

“This government will say anything to get elected,” added O’Toole. “But it won’t take real action on priorities in transportation to support industry, agriculture and commuters in Durham.”

“Major industrial and commercial organizations located east of Toronto have confirmed that the inadequate level of 400 series highways on the east side of the GTA severely affects their businesses,” cited Elliott from the report of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce 2006 Annual General Meeting. “Why will you not make the extension of Highway 407 a priority for your government to ensure a vibrant and sustainable economic future for Durham Region?”

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