Collenette issues a brief response to a $17-billion problem

OTTAWA — Federal Transport Minister David Collenette promised to “continue to work collaboratively with my colleagues” in response to a study that said Canada’s national highway system is in disrepair and that government investment is lacking.

The National Highway Policy Update Study was released by the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety last week.

The main report, “Condition and Investment Needs Update,” concludes the national highway system has not improved since 1988 and an investment of $17.4 billion is needed to bring the 25,000-kilometre network to an adequate level.

It estimates $30 billion in economic benefits to Canada would result from savings in travel time, increased safety, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less congestion, and lower vehicle operating costs were the highways up to standard.

After vowing to work with his provincial counterparts, Collenette was otherwise scant in his statement. “My colleagues and I commissioned this study to demonstrate that efficient and integrated highways are crucially important to Canada’s economic and social well-being,” he said. “As transportation ministers, we are committed to ensuring that all jurisdictions are fully aware of the urgent need to reinvest in Canada’s national transportation infrastructure.”

That seemed to do little to placate provincial transport ministers, who are largely responsible for the upkeep of highways in Canada and have criticized the federal government for its failure to contribute substantially to highway maintenance.

Canadian provinces spend about $1.7 billion annually on maintaining the national highway system. The federal government takes in more than $4.5 billion a year in fuel tax but puts back only about $300 million a year into highway projects across the country.

“This report essentially echoes what our government and other provincial governments have been saying for years — the federal government must urgently address the requirements of the national highway system,” said Manitoba Highways and Transportation Minister Glen Findlay. “The longer we wait, the faster the rate of road deterioration and the more it costs to upgrade the system.”

Said Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation and Public Works Clifford Huskilson: “If we in Canada think for a moment that we can’t afford $17 billion for highways, we need to think again. The United States has approved legislation to invest $175 billion in its interstate and highway system over the next six years. Our southern neighbor understands that transportation investment is essential for a strong economy. We are part of a global marketplace, and a strong national highway system is essential for Canada to remain competitive.”

For copies of the study, contact John Pearson, Council Secretariat, Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, 613/736-1350.