Minister reminds member he’d voted against current budget
QUEEN’S PARK—During Question Period on November 5, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha demanded the Minister of Transportation to provide a clear timeline for the construction of a new swing bridge in Little Current.
“In this year’s budget the Minister of Finance specifically highlighted the plan to replace the Swing Bridge,” said MPP Mantha. “Over half a year later and we still have no idea how much the government is going to spend, the timeline for the project, or even when we’ll get shovels in the ground.”
MPP Mantha highlighted the importance of the swing bridge as the only year-round route on and off Manitoulin Island. “Will you tell the people of Manitoulin a date when the work is going to get started?”
“Over the summer, residents were left stranded several times with the bridge being closed, with no notice given,” said MPP Mantha. “When the bridge is closed unexpectedly for any amount of time it effects people’s ability to get to medical appointments, to work or events and it negatively impacts Manitoulin’s ability to attract visitors and businesses. All we want is a date as to when the swing bridge will be constructed.”
MTO Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria said, “The swing bridge project is very important. And this is why it was part of the budget, $28 billion plan to build roads, bridges and highways in the province, which we are committed to.”
“The process is being followed to design this bridge and this government is committed to building and investing in the North and throughout the entire province,” said Minister Sarkaria.
MPP Mantha then commented, “we have still not received answers. The public shouldn’t be kept in limbo. The replacement of the bridge will be massive, and with the lack of information we have received, we don’t even know if the government is taking this issue seriously.” He asked the minister to provide a date that construction on a new swing bridge will begin and an expected date of completion. “People in rural and Northern communities shouldn’t be left in limbo when it comes to critical infrastructure. Minister, all we want is a date.”
Minister Sarkaria noted, “That member of provincial parliament (MPP Mantha) voted against the (provincial) budget. And through the fall economic statement I hope the member stands up for his constituents and supports the fall economic statement that will be debated and voted on.”
MPP Mantha told The Expositor later in the week, “No, the minister did not answer the question of the date that construction of the swing bridge will start. There has been no action taken by the government since the budget announcement. It is frustrating to me as well as residents, municipal leaders and our communities. But there doesn’t seem to be any urgency on the part of the government.”
“Local businesses and services, especially emergency services, along with municipalities and residents are concerned about the bridge project,” said MPP Mantha. “The bridge has been shut down several times over the summer and fall. We need a date for this bridge to be completed.”
