Debate is expected to resume this week on The Mushkegowuk-James Bay MPP’s private member’s bill 43 to improve Northern Highways. During Question Period at Queen’s Park last week, Guy Bourgouin says that two recent winter storms are already causing problems for Highway 11.
“On Ontario 511 there are no indications of road closures,” he said. “We have contractors who can’t fulfil their contractual obligations. People are calling my office for updates. How are we supposed to function up north when every snow storm creates a road closure.”
Bourgouin says that passing Bill 43 would be a good start to helping the north.
Ontario Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney says the government has made a significant improvement recently by reducing the time highways are cleared from 16 to 12 hours, and adding more snow removal equipment.