Horwath loops back on Hamilton LRT
NDP leader releases statement confirming her support for the project after saying she wouldn’t force council to build it
On one hand, Andrea Horwath says she’ll “fight like hell” to make LRT happen.
On the other, the NDP leader and Hamilton Centre MPP said that she would still give city council $1 billion for transit, even if it abandoned LRT, if she’s elected premier.
The two statements — seemingly in opposition, yet not contradictory — came less than 24 hours apart.
Mayor Fred Eisenberger, a staunch supporter of LRT, says the zigzag statements boil down to one thing: attracting votes for the June 7 election.
“It’s political season right now. Everyone’s positioning for the right formula to attract voters. I understand that,” he said, adding that Horwath likely heard from many people in the community after her comments were published.
“This potential softening on this position wasn’t helpful.”
Horwath’s comments, which ignited a fierce debate on social media about whether or not the NDP leader was backtracking on her support of LRT, first came during a Hamilton Spectator editorial board meeting Thursday afternoon.
Horwath said if city council ultimately decided to walk away from LRT, the $1 billion could be used for another transit project.
“The reality is, the province shouldn’t be deciding what municipalities choose to do with their transit systems,” she said.
Early Friday morning, Horwath released a statement saying LRT is “the best way forward” and that the NDP “will build Hamilton’s long-awaited LRT.”
The Friday statement made no mention of her comments from the day before about allowing council to use the cash for other transit projects.
“It’s right there in my platform — in black, white and orange — We’ll build Hamilton’s longawaited LRT. Waffling on this project equals more delays on this project — and Hamilton can’t wait any longer. We’ve set aside $1 billion to get shovels in the ground right away,” the statement read.
“There have been more than 60 votes approving the project over the past 10 years. The position of Hamilton city council is clear. The position of Hamilton families is clear. LRT is the best way forward.”
Eisenberger said he spoke to members of Horwath’s staff Friday to relay his disappointment,