Twin Highway 17

AI summary

Petitioners ask Canada to twin Highway 17 (Trans‑Canada) in Northwestern Ontario immediately. The government responds it committed $135.5M for Highways 11 and 17, will work with provinces, and notes provinces manage highways.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 17) is the only route connecting the eastern and western corridor in Northwestern Ontario; Highway 17 is often the site of fatal collisions between passenger vehicles and transportation trucks, presenting a significant safety risk to travellers in the region; The Highway is subject to repeated closures due to accidents and truck incidents that completely cut off access to travel, creating serious safety risks for residents, travellers, and emergency services; and The federal government has previously committed to providing funding for this critical infrastructure project to enhance safety, trade routes, and emergency preparedness. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to take immediate action to twin the Trans-Canada Highway in Northwestern Ontario.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Signed by Mike Kelloway Ensuring that Canada’s transportation infrastructure effectively supports the safe and efficient movement of people and goods is a shared priority across all levels of government. The Government of Canada has and continues to engage with provinces and territories to discuss surface infrastructure investments that could increase efficiency, connectivity, and the flow of both people and goods along the national network. Highways 11 and 17 are a part of the Trans-Canada Highway, and in turn are critical to interprovincial and international trade. Notably, the Government of Canada has previously committed approximately $135.5M of funding for projects along Highways 11 and 17. It is important to note that although the Government of Canada may provide funding or support for certain national projects, the day-to-day responsibility of highway infrastructure lies at the provincial and territorial level. This means those jurisdictions are responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of highways. Highways 11 and 17 specifically fall within the Province of Ontario’s jurisdiction. Nonetheless the Government of Canada is committed to strengthening the national surface transportation network and continues to work with provinces and territories to support surface transportation infrastructure investments aimed at increasing efficiency and removing internal trade barriers.