The MPP for Mushkegowuk–James Bay has presented his private members bill on highway safety at Queen’s Park.
New Democrat Guy Bourgouin’s proposed legislation calls on inspection stations on Highways 11 and 17 to be open at least 12 hours daily, sufficient enforcement of the Highway Traffic Act, mandatory testing for truck drivers by qualified Ministry of Transportation staff and that winter highway maintenance be returned to the MTO.
Bourgouin says now is the time for all parties to come together.
“You know we have been asking goverments if you don’t like the colour of the bill make it blue,” he said. “It’s not about the colour. It’s about safety. It’s about saving lives.”
Bourgouin says he’s asking the government to work with the opposition closely on the bill, and bring it to committee to make necessary changes that makes everyone happy.
“So we asked the government look at this bill closely, and work with us and bring it to committee and amend it so everyone is happy with but it will make a difference,” he said.
Bourgouin says highways are a lifeline in the north, and residents deserve the same level of safety and oversight as any other part of the province.
