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As Ontario gears up for an early general election on February 27, the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) is making headlines with a bold promise: to remove tolls from the privately owned Highway 407. This move is seen as a strategic effort to capture the attention of voters just days before the election writs are issued.
The NDP’s leader, Marit Stiles, has been vocal about the need to address the rising tolls that have burdened Ontarians, particularly those who rely on the highway for their daily commutes.
Political backdrop and the toll debate
In a surprising turn of events, Premier Doug Ford announced his intention to dissolve his majority government, paving the way for an early election.
This announcement has intensified the political landscape, with both major parties vying for voter support. The NDP has seized this opportunity to make Highway 407 a central issue in their campaign. Stiles criticized Ford’s government for inaction, stating, “Doug Ford has sat on his hands as tolls on the 407 have gone up, afraid to take on the private corporation that makes millions from people just trying to get to work.” This statement resonates with many Ontarians who feel the financial strain of tolls, especially during challenging economic times.
NDP’s plan for a toll-free Highway 407
The NDP’s proposal goes beyond just eliminating tolls; it includes a plan to negotiate the purchase of the highway from its current owners, 407 International Inc. This company, which is partially owned by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, has been criticized for profiting from the tolls.
Stiles emphasized that if elected, her government would take immediate action to remove tolls for commercial truck operators and work towards making the entire highway toll-free. The NDP’s strategy involves either voluntary negotiations with the current owners or potentially using provincial legislation to force a sale.
Financial implications and future considerations
While the NDP’s intentions are clear, the financial implications of such a proposal remain uncertain. Previous estimates suggested that moving commercial truck traffic to Highway 407 could cost around $4 billion over 30 years.
In contrast, the Ford government has indicated that the privately owned portion of the highway is now valued at approximately $35 billion, a significant increase from its original sale price of $3.1 billion in 1999. This discrepancy raises questions about the feasibility of the NDP’s plan and how it would be funded. As the election approaches, both parties will need to clarify their positions and present viable solutions to the electorate.
