(Queen’s Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop reported today that Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines in the new McGuinty government, would not respond directly to a question about tolls on northern Ontario highways.

Earlier today during Question Period in the Ontario legislature, Bartolucci was asked by Nickel Belt MPP Shelley Martel whether or not the McGuinty government is planning to place tolls on Highway 11 and Highway 400 to help fund their widening to four lanes. Bartolucci refused to provide a simple “yes” or “no” response.

“Our government never once even considered placing tolls on either of these highways at any time in their history,” said Dunlop. “Highway 11 and Highway 400 are routes that are vital to the survival of economic development in the North, which includes Simcoe County.

“I believe that Bartolucci’s reluctance to respond is proof that Premier McGuinty is seriously considering making these highways toll roads,” added Dunlop.

During the fall election campaign, the Liberals’ document entitled “True North” did not list toll roads as an election promise.

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)