| MCGUINTY BOWS TO PRESSURE FROM LOCAL MPP |
 |
 |
 |
| Thursday, 16 November 2006 19:00 |
|
MPP MacLeod “Gratified” Light Rail Money WILL Stay In Ottawa Regardless of New Council’s Transit Plans NEPEAN-CARLETON, November 17, 2006 – Tory MPP Lisa MacLeod said she is, “gratified to learn that the $200 million committed to light rail in Ottawa will stay in Ottawa”. After a week of relentless questioning in the Ontario Legislature by MacLeod, CBC News is reporting that the McGuinty Government has bowed to pressure and finally indicated it will keep the light rail money in Ottawa. “The issue has always been about respecting Ottawa Council’s decision to determine its own transit needs and for the provincial government to keep its May 14, 2004 promise of investing $200 Million,” said MacLeod. “From all indications this past week, this funding was in jeopardy with the outcome of the municipal vote.” MPP MacLeod challenged the McGuinty Government through member’s statements, Question Period and the Estimates Committee, demanding they follow through on the $200 million commitment, regardless of the new Council’s plan for rapid transit. “I am pleased the McGuinty Government has come to its senses and has figured out what the rest of us already know – that the present light rail plan in Ottawa is likely to change,” said MacLeod. “Keeping the $200 Million in Ottawa will give the new Council maximum flexibility to define and implement its transit priorities. The McGuinty Government was out of sync with voters and Council when it tied the $200 Million to the light rail plan that was rejected on election night.” Three days prior to the municipal vote a letter was sent by a Provincial bureaucrat indicating any changes to the light rail plan in Ottawa would not be consistent with the $200 million funding commitment. On November 13th a new Council was elected with a majority suggesting they would not support the previous light rail plans of former Mayor Bob Chiarelli. Originally, Premier Dalton McGuinty and Minister of Public Infrastructure and Renewal refused to commit to keeping their $200 million promise to the City of Ottawa when asked in the Ontario Legislature by MacLeod. -30- For more information, contact: Stephen Gilman, Executive Assistant Phone: 613-823-2116 Cell: 613-297-2051 |