THUNDER BAY, ON - June 19, 2009 - Ontario will create jobs in Thunder Bay and improve public transit in Toronto with a $416-million investment in a new fleet of 204 streetcars.

According to Bombardier, manufacturing the streetcars would create more than 5,000 direct jobs and 10,300 indirect jobs in Ontario.

Prototype streetcars will be delivered in 2011 and new cars will be in service by 2012. The cars replace Toronto's aging fleet and will be more energy efficient, larger and more comfortable.

Funding will be provided through funds set aside for infrastructure stimulus investments over the next two years and through Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan.

Since 2003, the McGuinty government has invested more than $7.4 billion in public transit, including more than $2.5 billion to GO Transit. Toronto has received close to $3 billion in transit funding in the last six years.

QUOTES
"We are building a better public transit system for Ontario families. Our investments in transit are creating jobs, easing traffic congestion and helping make the air we breathe cleaner."

 – Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario

"Our government is committed to creating jobs and this infrastructure investment will deliver a real boost to our local economy. This is a chance to make the most of the skills and hard work of northerners to improve the quality of life for our region and for all Ontarians."

 – Bill Mauro
MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan

"This is great news for Thunder Bay, as Bombardier is a crucial contributor to our local economy. Our government recognizes that investing in important infrastructure projects like this one will make us even stronger when we emerge from these tough economic times."

 – Michael Gravelle
MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North

"I want to thank Premier McGuinty and the Ontario Government for their support of this important infrastructure project. The Provincial commitment will not only ensure Toronto is able to improve its public transit system, it will stimulate the economy by creating high-paying manufacturing, engineering and construction jobs in Ontario and across Canada."

 – David Miller
Mayor of Toronto

The two area New Democrat MPs, Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay - Superior North) and John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River), offered their congratulations to the people of Thunder Bay and the workers of Bombardier today on the announced implementation of the $1.2 billion TTC streetcar deal, but lamented that the Conservative government of Stephen Harper has thus far refused to contribute federal money to the project.

“I am very pleased that the province has seen the benefits of the deal, which will provide many years of work and much-needed transit infrastructure.” said Thunder Bay – Superior North MP Bruce Hyer. “But where was Minister Baird for the announcement? Infrastructure Canada was created to fund projects just like this. It’s ideal. I am absolutely sure a way to federally fund this deal can be found if there is the political will.”

Rafferty also felt that it was great day for Thunder Bay but wondered why the Prime Minister has refused to commit to the project thus far.  “I am very happy that the largest transit and infrastructure investment project in Canadian history is going ahead today.  It will give a huge boost to our local economy,” he said.  “I just can’t believe that that Mr. Harper and Mr. Baird can’t see the value in this investment for both Thunder Bay and Toronto.”

In a meeting with Hyer, Transport Minister John Baird said he wouldn’t fund the federal 1/3 share of the deal because the federal government’s priority was to create jobs now, while the Bombardier deal was a 10-year contract. “It’s astonishing that John Baird is refusing to create 5,000 jobs in Ontario” said Hyer, in response to the report saying that the Bombardier – TTC streetcar deal would create 5,700 jobs, 5,000 of which are in Ontario.

Hyer and Rafferty have lobbied the Minister over a number of months to provide the federal third of funding. “Both the City of Toronto and the Province have now committed to doing their part. By June 27th, if the Conservative government doesn’t step up to the plate, Thunder Bay might never see those jobs and Toronto may never get their needed streetcars,” said Hyer.

QUICK FACTS
The new streetcars are larger and more comfortable - they can carry up to 50 per cent more transit riders than the older streetcars.
On May 15, 2009, the McGuinty government announced funding for the Sheppard East Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which will generate about 9,500 jobs.
The McGuinty government also recently announced $8.6 billion in funding for regional transit projects, including the Finch West LRT, Scarborough RT upgrade and extension, Eglinton Crosstown LRT, York Viva BRT, and planning for rapid transit in Hamilton.
In 2007, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) carried more than 460 million riders, the second busiest year in the TTC's 87-year history.

LEARN MORE
Read about the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan to improve public transportation in the Greater Toronto Area.
Get all the details on the new streetcars.