The push to reclassify Highways 11 and 17 as the same as those in southern Ontario continues.
MPP Guy Bourgouin, the NDP member for the riding of Mushkegowuk—James Bay, is seeking approval of a private member’s bill that would have snow removed from those northern highways within eight hours.
Second reading took place late Wednesday afternoon.
“This private member’s bill is not partisan. It saves lives. Northern Ontario needs these highways to be Class 1. Last time, we had the chance to do the right thing. Do the right thing now,” says Bourgouin.
If approved, the bill would lead to snow on the northern Ontario highways being removed within eight hours of a storm.
Bourgouin says northern Ontario’s highways get shut down far too often right now.
“From Kenora to North Bay, winter closures kill people and are an economic harm to their region. We have so many closures we can’t keep count.”
Bourgouin points blame on the decision to privatize winter road maintenance in 2009.
“The privatization and deregulation of winter highway maintenance has had a negative impact on the conditions of our roads. It has cost money and, above all, it has caused many lives.”
Second reading passed late this morning in a unanimous vote.
The bill is now being referred to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills.
