MP Cheryl Gallant Urges Federal Provincial Co-operation to Improve Highway Safety

July 13, 2007

Arnprior, Ontario-Cheryl Gallant, MP, (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) is urging the Province of Ontario to work co-operatively with the Federal government to improve Highway safety, particularly on Trans-Canada Hwy 17.

“Like many residents in Eastern Ontario, I am saddened every time I read of another vehicle fatality. Increased traffic volumes on roads not designed to handle thousands of additional vehicles are certainly part of the problem,” said MP Gallant.

The spring federal Conservative budget made a historic investment of 16 billion over the next seven years for provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure, including highways. This brings federal support under a new long-term infrastructure plan to a total of 33 billion.

“I was certainly encouraged by the announcement that McCormick Rankin Corporation has been retained by the province to carry out the detail design for the twinning of Highway 17 from Division Street to Scheel Drive between Arnprior and Renfrew, as well as the rehabilitation of the Constable Philip Shrive and CPR Overhead structure on Highway 17. The four-laning of highway 17 all the way to Deep River and beyond to North Bay will not happen soon enough for the families who have recently experienced a tragic loss due to the condition of our roads. ”

Cheryl Gallant went on to observe that the new Conservative government, in addition to giving priority to Canada’s core national highway system, has successfully negotiated the equal sharing of eligible costs for highway improvement projects with other provinces.

“Since I was elected in 2000, constituents have been contacting me about the state of roads in Renfrew County. We know that highway 17 has an unenviable reputation as a ‘killer highway’. Its time for highway 17 to lose that reputation. There is money on the table, it is time to get the job done!”

“Much can be achieved when the different levels of government choose to work together. Our new Conservative government stands ready to work with the province of Ontario to embrace the true spirit of open federalism and make the roads in Eastern Ontario and Renfrew County stronger, safer, and better, concluded MP Cheryl Gallant.

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For More Information Please Call Cheryl Gallant, M.P. at (613) 732-4404