MPP Arnott continues to fight for local projects as Legislature recesses
(Queen’s Park) – Bill 6, Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, 2013, passed the Ontario Legislature in a unanimous vote at Third Reading on June 4.
The Bill requires the Government to publish a 10 year infrastructure plan, which must be updated every 5 years.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott is the PC Critic responsible for Bill 6 and spoke in favour of it at Third Reading on June 3.
“There’s nothing stopping them from bringing forward a long-term infrastructure plan, even if Bill 6 doesn’t pass. ….But certainly…as the Official Opposition, we support the idea of long-term infrastructure planning for the Province of Ontario,” Mr. Arnott told the House during his remarks on the Bill.
Mr. Arnott also took the opportunity to continue to fight for local infrastructure projects which he believes should be included on any long term provincial infrastructure plan.
“The government is committed to around $13.5 billion in infrastructure [spending this year],” Mr. Arnott pointed out. “When you look at the list, for example, about $2.5 billion on provincial highways, $2.7 billion on hospital infrastructure, $1.9 billion on education infrastructure; justice, $243 million. …I think it’s therefore reasonable for us, as Members of the Opposition, to point out some of the infrastructure needs in our Ridings.”
Among the priorities Mr. Arnott identified were the Highway 6 Morriston Bypass through the Township of Puslinch, the need for a new Courthouse in Halton Region and a new Holy Cross Catholic School in Georgetown, the need for funding for the Erin Waste Water Management System and the Station Road Bridge in Hillsburgh, all-day, the importance of the Government following through on its commitment to all-day two-way GO Train service for Acton and Georgetown, and investment in high speed internet in rural Ontario.
Mr. Arnott had a number of other projects that he also wanted to raise, but ran out of time and had to be cut off by the Speaker.
The Ontario Government has committed to spending $130 billion on infrastructure over the next ten years.
“Our Riding has a long list of important local infrastructure needs,” Mr. Arnott said afterwards. “The projects that I raised, as well as a number of other ones, require the support of the Provincial Government.”
The spring session of the Ontario Legislature wrapped up on June 4. With the Legislature in recess, Mr. Arnott will be working in the Wellington-Halton Hills Riding Office and in our communities in the coming weeks.
