This question is for the Minister of Transportation.

The cost of road congestion continues to take its toll on my constituents and their quality of life. Congestion impacts Ontario’s economy, with billions of dollars a year in lost time, wasted fuel and delayed deliveries. Other costs include greenhouse gas emissions, accidents, and poorer health—since people perpetually stuck in traffic report lower life satisfaction and physical activity.

Experts and academics have already warned that Ontario’s transportation infrastructure is not ready for the incoming surge of new Ontarians in the next 20 years. The status quo is not sustainable, especially if every new Ontarians decides to hop into a car during rush hour.

What actions is the Minister of Transportation taking to build critical road infrastructure?

It’s clear that road congestion costs the economy billions of dollars annually and will only worsen as our population grows.

In 2019, the National Post reported that Toronto was North America’s fastest-growing city and Canada’s most congested city. Peel region and the surrounding communities have also faced the same predicament, as they are some of the fastest-growing in this province and equally the most congested.

My constituents value their time, and driving remains the fastest way to travel for most commuters, according to Statistics Canada data. That same Statistics Canada data shows that their drive time is increasing yearly.

What actions is the Minister of Transportation taking to build major highways in this province, helping to ease the congestion crisis that has dragged on for far too long?