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TThe Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment to working with the Province of Ontario to make the safety and expansion of Northern Ontario’s highways a priority.
While in Thunder Bay, Prime Minister Carney was asked about the federal government’s position on four-laning Highways 11 and 17. The Prime Minister recognized the importance of
these highways as critical east-west transportation connections and stated that their multi-laning is a priority for the federal government.
FONOM President Dave Plourde says the Prime Minister’s comments are encouraging and represent an important opportunity for the federal and provincial governments to work together.
“We are pleased to hear the Prime Minister recognize what Northern municipalities have been saying for years: that Highways 11 and 17 are not simply provincial roads. They are vital east-west connections that serve Northern Ontario, the rest of Ontario and Canada,” said Plourde. “If four-laning is a priority for the federal government, we need to see it become an equally clear priority for the Province of Ontario. Where four-laning is not immediately practical, we need a comprehensive plan to improve safety and mobility.”
Prime Minister Carney indicated that he will be speaking with Premier Doug Ford. FONOM believes those discussions provide an important opportunity for both governments to establish a coordinated plan for Northern Ontario’s transportation infrastructure.
“The Prime Minister and Premier have a lot of work to do together, and Northern highways need to be part of that conversation,” said Plourde. “We need the federal and provincial governments sitting at the same table, identifying the priorities, committing the resources and working together to rectify the longstanding highway safety and transportation challenges facing Northern Ontario.”
FONOM has consistently advocated for increased investment in Highways 11 and 17, including four-laning, highway safety improvements, passing lanes and other measures that will improve the movement of people and goods across Northern Ontario.
“Northern Ontario is growing, and our transportation infrastructure needs to keep pace,” added Plourde. “These highways are essential to our communities, our economy, tourism, resource development and national supply chains. We appreciate the Prime Minister’s recognition of their importance, and we now look forward to seeing that commitment translated into action with the Province.”
About FONOM: The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities represents 110 municipalities across Northeastern Ontario. FONOM works to improve residents’ quality of life and ensure Northern Ontario’s future prosperity by advocating on behalf of its member municipalities.
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