Metrolinx CEO's contract extended despite absence of Crosstown target opening date
The province has extended the employment contract of Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster, news that comes just days after the head of the provincial transit agency held a news conference to announce yet another delay in the construction of a major Toronto transit project.
On Wednesday, Verster told reporters that after missing an earlier target date for the opening of the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the agency is now simply unable to provide a reliable timeline for when the project will be complete. He conceded that new problems on the line are being discovered weekly.
Construction began on the transit project in the summer of 2011 and it was originally supposed to open in 2020.
When Metrolinx failed to meet that target date, officials indicated that the project would be substantially complete in 2022, but Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS) – the consortium building the line – missed that deadline as well.
During Question Period at Queen’s Park on Thursday, Bhutila Karpoche, the NDP MPP for Parkdale—High Park, asked why Verster still has a job.
“Mr. Verster has not only had over a year to explain the latest delay, he has received massive pay increases and enjoys the support of 59 vice-presidents who all seem unable to hold the P3 contractor to account,” she said.
In response, Ontario’s Transportation Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, who did not attend the news conference with Verster on Wednesday, said he understands that “the public wants certainty on this project.”
“That’s why the CEO of Metrolinx was out there yesterday and will continue to deliver those updates to the public so they can have that information,” he said.
“This is a very complex project… but we have delivered for the people of Toronto, and this province, the largest transit expansion plan in the history of this province.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the repeated delays with the project “unbearable.”
“Ten years later, you still can't tell us when you can open it up,” she asked. “It's really disappointing.”
In a news release issued earlier this week, MPP Joel Harden, the NDP’s transit critic, accused the Ford government of losing control of the transit agency.
“It’s clear they can’t build transit projects in this province, and people are left waiting for transit that feels like it will never arrive. What a colossal—and costly—disaster,” Harden said in a written statement.
He said the Official Opposition wants to see Verster, who earns an annual salary of nearly $900,000, booted from his position.
The premier’s office did not provide any further details of its deal with Verster, confirming only that his employment contract had been extended. It is not clear when the decision was made to extend the CEO’s contract.
When asked about whether he should step down due to the ongoing problems with the project, Verster said Wednesday that he feels “accountability and responsibility” to get the project “over the line.”
“This is what myself and my team and 1,400 other people are dedicated to achieve. I serve at the pleasure of the minister,” he said.
In response to a question about reports that his new salary would be over $1 million, Verster said he had "not signed any revised contract as such."
"I don’t determine my salary. It is a matter that is resolved by the minister and the board," he told reporters. "I have not asked for any increases, I’ve not asked for anything at all. I’m just humbled to be here and to continue to do the work."
-With files from CP24’s Josh Freeman
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bird flu, measles top 2025 concerns for Canada's chief public health officer
As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year.
Azerbaijan observes day of mourning for air crash victims as speculation mount about its cause
Azerbaijan on Thursday observed a nationwide day of mourning for the victims of the plane crash that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured as speculation mounted about a possible cause of the disaster that remained unknown.
Prayers and tears mark 20 years since the Indian Ocean tsunami that killed some 230,000 people
People gathered in prayer and visited mass graves in Indonesia’s Aceh province on Thursday to mark 20 years since the massive Indian Ocean tsunami hit the region in one of modern history’s worst natural disasters.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.