August 14, 2012

Letter to the Editor

Ontario government ‘evaluating options’ for Toronto light rail procurement

To the Editor:
Information published in the Daily Commercial News Aug. 9 article, Toronto light rail construction open to all: Metrolinx is misleading.

Transit projects currently underway in partnership with the Toronto Transit Commission, such as preparatory work on the Eglinton-Crosstown Line, do adhere to the Metrolinx procurement model. However, as we look to move forward with four new RFQs for transit projects in Toronto – led by Infrastructure Ontario – we continue to discuss the TTC’s fair wage policy with our partners at the City of Toronto and the labour sector. Ontario is evaluating options to consider TTC and City of Toronto procurement practices for the four new LRT lines.

Separately, Merit Ontario’s suggestion that their organization has engaged in lobbying efforts with Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Bob Chiarelli is false and misleading. The Minister has never met with either Mr. Frank Viti or his organization.

Ontario has committed $8.4 billion to transit projects in Toronto. We are proud of this record investment and look forward to working with our partners at the city to build the transit Torontonians deserve.

David Salter
Press Secretary
Office of Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation

Print | Comment