Doug Ford government votes against motion to remove Hwy. 407 tolls for transport truck drivers
Premier Doug Ford’s government has voted down a NDP motion that would have committed them to remove tolls for transport truck drivers on Highway 407.
The motion, which is largely symbolic and would not have any legislative impact, argues that eliminating tolls for transport trucks would remove 21,000 vehicles per day from Highway 401 and other adjacent roadways.
This, the NDP say, would reduce traffic for other drivers as well as help reduce carbon emissions.
The idea isn’t new. It was part of the Ontario NDP’s 2022 campaign platform and it resurfaced again in November 2023 after advocacy group Environmental Defence released a report that suggested moving trucks to Highway 407 could save 80 minutes of travel time for those drivers.
“You could land an airplane on it. I mean literally, an airplane landed on it right in the middle of the day with no problem,” Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said Monday, citing a 2021 incident in which a small aircraft was forced to land on the roadway due to engine failure.
“The highway is underused because the tolls are too high.”
While Environmental Defence argued the government should subsidize the tolls, the NDP is hoping to reopen and renegotiate contracts with the private company responsible for the tolls.
Speaking to reporters, Stiles said she thinks the government can apply some pressure because the ministry didn’t force the company to pay heavy fines they incurred the pandemic.
“The government clearly knows and acknowledges that tolls are an issue for a lot of people right now who are struggling with affordability issues and sitting in congestion. But they don't seem to be willing to do anything actually about it.”
In response, the government pivoted to other ways in which they have helped the trucking industry.
“Everything we’ve done as a government has been to keep costs low,” Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said in question period. “When that member [Stiles] and the Liberal government previously had the opportunity to remove tolls on the 412, 418, what did they do? Absolutely nothing.”
The Progressive Conservatives voted against the motion Monday afternoon.
The Ontario government recently tabled legislation that would ban future governments from tolling provincial roadways. The legislation, however, doesn’t impact Highway 407.
Highway 407 ETR, the company responsible for the tolls, increased rates last month.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
'We have no judge for you': Man's assault charges dropped weeks before trial due to lack of judges in Toronto
A man who was accused of sexually and physically assaulting a woman had his charges dropped in April, just weeks before he was set to stand trial in Toronto, due to a lack of judges in the region.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Protest encampment cleared by Edmonton police early Saturday morning
A protest encampment set up on the University of Alberta campus was cleared early Saturday morning by Edmonton police.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.