Toronto transit projects

[Pheidippides]

I think the discussion about other LRT projects over on the Ion thread was asking about the government's stance on some of the Toronto area projects. The lack of answer to a yes or no question in today's question period I think should be worrisome:

Ms. Jessica Bell: Before the election, the Premier promised to maintain funding for the Hurontario LRT, which is scheduled for completion in 2022, but the fall economic statement did not mention the Hurontario LRT at all, and last week the government refused to confirm the project would be moving forward.

Can the minister tell us, yes or no, will he be maintaining funding for the Hurontario LRT so that it can be completed by 2022, as planned?

Hon. Jeff Yurek: Thanks again for that question. We’ve had numerous discussions in the ministry, reviewing all the projects going forward, and I can tell you that we will be making the best decisions on behalf of the people of this province.

We have inherited a $15-billion deficit and over $300 billion in debt. We have to make sure we’re making decisions that are going to work for the people of the GTHA.

As I said, as we’re uploading the TTC, we are going to be creating a regional structure across the GTHA. Under the leadership of Metrolinx, we are going to be making some good decisions for the people of this province and we’re going to be expanding the transit opportunities.

The Huronontario LRT is still having a great discussion within our ministry, and we look forward to having a great announcement with you in a short time forward.

The same member of the opposition was also claiming that the fall economic statement cut $1.4 billion for transit infrastructure, but the government failed to specify where these cuts are coming from and what transit projects could be on the chopping block.