Ignore council, Hudak suggests
Premier Dalton Mcguinty should overrule Toronto city council’s transit plans despite its Monday machinations that dealt another setback to Mayor Rob Ford’s push for subways, says Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak.
Calling subways a “once-in-a-generation” investment, Hudak told reporters Tuesday that Mcguinty is wrong to insist the province will follow council’s lead on transit plans when provincial taxpayers are contributing $8.4 billion.
“This is the biggest infrastructure project in Canada . . . let’s do it right,” added Hudak, who was a member of the former Mike Harris Conservative government in 1995 that ordered digging stopped on an Eglinton subway line. Mcguinty and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath couldn’t resist the temptation to remind Hudak — whose party has no seats in Toronto — of that move. “It’s hard to keep up with where they stand,” the premier taunted his rival during the Legislature’s daily question period. Horwath, who supports the minority Liberal government’s position that the province respect the will of Toronto city council on transit plans, said Hudak’s push for subways is “rich.” “The Conservatives actually filled in the hole that was being dug for the Eglinton subway back in 1995 and now they want to want to build subways,” she told reporters. “Had they had that vision back in 1995 perhaps we wouldn’t be having this argument today.” Council rejected plans to put part of the Eglinton LRT underground but has yet to decide whether to extend the Sheppard subway or continue the line with light rail. “I know there’s an ongoing battle at city council over this issue,” Hudak acknowledged. “There is a strong, compelling provincial interest here. Gridlock is among the worst in North America.” Despite his push for subways, Hudak said “there’s no more money” from the province than the $8.4 billion already earmarked to improve Toronto transit. Many city councillors have said the money will be better spent on more light-rail lines to help more riders across the city.