NDP: It’s time to take northern highway safety seriously

QUEEN'S PARK – Ontario NDP are calling on the Ontario government to implement their Northern Highway Strategy and finally deliver progress on making highways 11 and 17 safer. NDP MPPs are renewing their call following the latest push from the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) about the lack of progress on northern highway safety:

“Highways 11 and 17 are the lifelines of Northern Ontario; yet they remain some of the deadliest roads in the country,” said MPP Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk – James Bay). “When families are losing loved ones year after year to preventable crashes, the government’s inaction is not just unacceptable, it’s reckless. Northern lives should not be treated as expendable. The province must push for Highway 11 and 17 upgrades to be recognized as nation-building priorities, so our communities get the same safety and investment as the rest of Canada.”

“This is about saving lives,” said MPP Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay – Superior North). “It’s about treating the North as equal partners in Canada’s future. Investing in our highways isn’t just regional infrastructure, it’s nation-building. The $600 million the government points to in the North barely covers upkeep and maintenance, leaving little to no room for real development on these critical projects. Safe roads strengthen our economy, connect communities, and creates good jobs across the province, making Ontario stronger in the face of tariff threats.”

“The two-lane Trans-Canada Highway through Northern Ontario isn’t just the weak link in our national transportation system—it’s dangerously unsafe.” Said MPP John Vanthof (Timiskaming – Cochrane). “A car registered in Timiskaming and involved in an accident is four times more likely to face a fatal outcome than anywhere else in Ontario. Premier Ford promised to extend the 2+1 system from Temiskaming Shores to Cochrane, but his government hasn’t even started the first pilot project. Northerners were deeply disappointed when the Premier failed to recognize the Trans-Canada as a true nation-building project. We fully support making it one.”

BACKGROUND

• The Ontario NDP introduced the Northern Highway Strategy in January which highlights key strategies to ensure safety across Highways 11 and 17 in Northern Ontario.
• Highways 11 and 17 are essential trade and travel corridors linking Northern Ontario communities, First Nations, and industries to the rest of the province and country.
• The 2+1 highway model alternates a safe centre passing lane every 2–5 kilometres, reducing head-on collisions and fatalities.
• Despite government promises and a pilot project announcement, progress on these upgrades has stalled.