Conservative transportation scheme a step backwards to cuts

    McGuinty Liberals already investing more than Conservatives propose

    QUEEN'S PARK, July 9 /CNW/ - The Conservative transportation scheme is a
step backwards. It will lead to cuts to transit services and to more gridlock,
says Liberal MPP Donna Cansfield (Etobicoke Centre).
    "If we were to limit transportation investments to only gas tax in the
future, there would be cuts," said Cansfield. "This scheme makes for an
interesting sound bite but would mean more Conservative cutbacks, and more
gridlock for drivers."
    Cansfield pointed out that the last Conservative government eliminated
transit funding altogether. Now, four years later, they are back and they want
to cut again.
    Cansfield also pointed out Conservative Leader John Tory's numbers are
wrong, and that McGuinty Liberals are actually investing more than
$2.7 Billion per year in roads and transit investments (2007 Ontario Budget,
Pg. 167). In addition, the new Move Ontario 2020 plan for $17.5 Billion in new
transit investments is not accounted for in the Conservative scheme.
    "Our plan is to move Ontario forward with a bigger investment in transit
and roads that will mean 300 million fewer car trips. None of that would
happen under the Conservative scheme. The money simply wouldn't be there,"
said Cansfield. "It is a huge step backwards that would lead to cuts in plans,
and to more gridlock."

For further information: Dave Penfold, Tel: (416) 325-3676,
dpenfold@liberal.ola.org