Thank you to the member from Thunder Bay–Atikokan for the great question.

Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is taking concrete steps to make roads in northern Ontario safer.

Just a few weeks ago, I was pleased to announce that our government took another step forward to deliver the first ever “2+1” highway pilot in North America. This model is used in jurisdictions around the world, and it has been shown to improve road safety and enhance traffic flow. By issuing the request for proposals for the new pilot on Highway 11 north of North Bay, our government is demonstrating real progress to get shovels in the ground on this critical project making roads in the north that much safer.

A “2+1” highway pilot is part of our government’s plan to build Ontario, and we’re getting it done.

Speaker, we have received resounding support on the “2+1” highway from local stakeholders, including Mark Wilson from Going the Extra Mile for Safety, as well as members of our government’s Northern Transportation Task Force. The “2+1” highway pilot will support northern development and boost economic growth in the region, after decades of neglect by the previous Liberal governments. And this builds on other initiatives championed by our government to support and grow the north.

Just recently, we created a new highway level of service that requires Highways 11 and 17 in northern Ontario to be cleared within 12 hours after a winter storm, four hours faster than the previous standard.

Speaker, this is not a one-and-done deal for northern drivers. We will continue to look for even more ways to support safer and more prosperous communities in the north.

All of us in this House share a common goal: keeping Ontario’s roads safe for all drivers.

In the last year, we have seen an alarming increase in fatal collisions on our roads, particularly in the north.

Injuries and fatalities are twice as likely to occur on a northern highway as compared to a highway in southern Ontario. This is unacceptable.

As the winter season is upon us, drivers in my riding of Thunder Bay–Atikokan and across the north deserve certainty that the government is taking action to put their safety first.

Can the Minister of Transportation please tell the House what our government is doing to support transportation safety in northern communities?

After 15 years under the previous Liberal government, life became more difficult for people living in northern Ontario. The previous Liberal government failed on winter road maintenance, cancelled northern passenger rail service, and neglected to make the meaningful targeted highway investments our region desperately needs.

Can the minister please elaborate on her newly announced innovative project and how it will support the communities of northern Ontario?