NDP MLA Says Port Mann to be Put On Hold
April 14, 2009
SURREY –Cariboo South NDP candidate Charlie Wyse has confirmed Carole James and the NDP’s true intentions towards the Port Mann Bridge – they have no plans to build it.
“It’s completely dishonest for the NDP to say one thing in Surrey and another in the north,” says Surrey-Cloverdale BC Liberal candidate Kevin Falcon. “Carole James and the Surrey NDP have never supported the bridge. Carole James said it was the ‘wrong bridge, the wrong time.’ Her transportation critic rejected the 8,000 jobs that will be created by building a new bridge. It’s only recently they’ve experienced a conversion on the road to the Port Mann and paid lip service to the project. Now we know they were being dishonest and they have no plans to build the bridge. This is a project that needs to be built and we’re going to make it happen."
As reported by the Williams Lake Tribune, during his nomination meeting, Wyse confirmed the NDP’s position: “that the $3.1 billion expenditure for the Port Mann Bridge should not be a provincial commitment at this time.”
Also on Page 55 of the NDP platform, it clearly outlines the party’s plans to cancel previously announced capital projects. However, the NDP refuse to detail what projects will be eliminated.
“Everyone who drives along Highway One, whether north or south of the Fraser, understands the need for a new Port Mann Bridge except the NDP,” says Surrey-Fleetwood BC Liberal candidate Jagmohan Singh. “This bridge will create thousands of jobs, reduce travel times by up to 30 per cent and will allow buses to cross the Port Mann for the first time in 20 years. I’m calling on NDP candidate Jagrup Brar to stand up for his constituents and tell his leader to stop the dishonesty and admit they plan to cancel the bridge.”
The Port Mann/Highway 1 project consists of the construction of a new 10-lane Port Mann Bridge and widening Highway 1, upgrading interchanges and improving access and safety from McGill Street in Vancouver to 216th Street in Langley, a distance of approximately 37 km.
