Provincial Liberals winter road maintenance risks Ontarians safety, says Thompson

Wednesday, the Auditor General released her report on winter road maintenance, and it confirms the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's performance-based contracts, introduced in 2009, were initiated for no other reason than to cut corners and save money, says Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

These contracts were offered to the lowest bidder, specifically to contractors with inadequate equipment that failed to meet already-extended road-clearing standards, says Thompson, adding that particularly of concern - especially for Huron-Bruce - is the weakening of the response standard, to eight hours from two hours following snow.  

 

The Auditor General also noted a reduction in the use of salt, in an attempt to cut corners, which also resulted in hazardous driving conditions.

 

"We can't cut corners when it comes to the safety of Ontarians on the road," says Thompson. "In Huron-Bruce, we know full well the dangers of black ice; how quickly roads can fill in; and how visibility can be affected by drifting snow during the winter months.

"It is the government's responsibility to provide oversight and ensure safety on our roads throughout all of Ontario.

 

"The Liberals have wasted billions of taxpayers' dollars on scandals, such as the gas plants and eHealth, yet they are  choosing to cut services that affect the safety and everyday life of Ontarians. It is shameful." 

 

Click here to view the Auditor General's complete report on Winter Highway Maintenance.