Statement by Rob Italiano

A lot has happened since Transport Minister Caroline Mulroney was chased out of town with a police escort back in December after cancelling Hamilton LRT.

Through leaked documents, there has been VERY clear evidence that the cost estimates she quoted were false. There are ALSO problematic connections with her staff which, once reported, resulted in the transfer of these staff from her office.

The numbers of LRT supporters have surged as more and more information comes out. More recently, the federal government stepped forward and offered to contribute financially to LRT, but is waiting for a formal request from the province.

You were established to provide recommendations to Mulroney on how best to spend Hamilton's LRT money and the LRT is still on the table for consideration. You are due to provide your recommendations on March 16.

Choose LRT for Hamilton and do not squander this opportunity on projects with less impact:

LRT has the highest positive impact for Hamilton in terms of economic, social and environmental benefits. Multiple studies show the massive benefit this project will bring and Metrolinx's own comparisons show Hamilton LRT has higher net benefits compared to other projects in Toronto.

Hamilton LRT is the only project of its size that is ready to be implemented. With 12+ years of planning, extensive pre-construction work complete, over $160 million already spent and over 60 properties expropriated, the LRT project is well underway.

The federal government has offered to cover the funding gap for Hamilton LRT, which was the only reason Mulroney cited for cancelling the project in the first place.

Given these facts, the best solution is that you recommend LRT and any extra funding needed comes from the provincial government or the federal government.

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