Better GTHA Transportation a Cornerstone of Ontario Throne Speech

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - The Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance commends Ontario's Speech from the Throne in signaling the importance of addressing the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area's (GTHA) growing gridlock crisis to Ontario's future success.

The Government of Ontario committed to engaging in conversation with municipal and community partners to address gridlock and find a solution that will increase our collective productivity, reduce our daily commute times, and reduce the impact on our climate and natural environment.

Ontario's emphasis on smart infrastructure investment is consistent with the movement CivicAction has led to build support for sustainable ways to invest in better transportation.

In October 2012, CivicAction and the 45 members of its Regional Transportation Champions Council launched its your32 campaign, inviting people to imagine a better quality of life through a better transportation network by sharing what they would do with 32 extra minutes* in their day. Early results of the campaign's first phase were released on January 14.

"We're pleased to see political leaders responding to what people in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area are saying. Much sooner than later, GTHA leaders will have to make the tough choices about how to raise money to build a better system," said CivicAction's Chair John Tory.

CivicAction also supports comments made in the Speech regarding other key issues seen as critical by civic leaders in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area:

• Allowing people to work, prosper, and contribute by providing equal footing. The Government of Ontario has indicated that it will follow the recommendations of the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario. CivicAction and United Way Toronto supported the work of the Commission by convening a Business Advisory Panel of senior executives to provide strategic insights and advice. Members of the panel have called on the province to act on the Commission's report.
• Building practical paths to employment. CivicAction has heard from hundreds of civic leaders about the importance of building strong communities, investing in residents and promoting economic development to enable people to thrive and ensure the region's prosperity. Civic leaders recognize that investing in youth and other underemployed groups is essential to building a strong future for the Toronto region.

CivicAction looks forward to working with its key partners, including all levels of government and political leaders and parties, to tackle priorities for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. These priorities include accelerating regional transportation, enhancing economic performance, and fostering inclusion and resilience.

*Thirty-two minutes is the difference between average commute time if The Big Move is funded and built over the next 25 years (77 min), and if no comprehensive system is put in place (109 min). Source: Metrolinx

About CivicAction
The Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance convenes civic leaders from across all sectors and the region to catalyze change on the tough issues and big opportunities facing the Toronto region. For more information, visit www.civicaction.ca or @CivicActionGTA.

SOURCE: CivicAction