Spring Summer 2010 Issue - Ontario Road Builders' Association

TRANSPORTATION MINISTER’S REMARKS
New
Transportation
Minister Addresses ORBA
Speaking to delegates at the
recent 2010 ORBA Convention
in her third week on the job as
Ontario’s Minister of Transportation,
Kathleen Wynne said she usually likes
to take questions but admitted she
may not have answers yet.
“I hope to gain your trust and
respect,” Wynne said during her first
official industry speech since becoming
Minister of Transportation. “I am
very excited to work with ORBA to
strengthen and modernize our transportation
system. I believe an essential
skill needed with this job is to listen to
people. You are the people I need to
listen to. I will endeavour not to jump
24 Spring/Summer 2010
to conclusions based on a little knowledge.
I need to draw on the expertise
of experienced people and learn from
all of you.”
Transportation in Ontario has its
roots in public highways, said Wynne,
who prior to becoming the Minister of
Transportation served as Minister of
Education for more than three years.
Prior to becoming an MPP, she served
as a school trustee in Toronto.
“This is thanks to all the work you have
done,” she stated. “I recognize the
excellence you bring to your work. We
have earned the reputation of having
the safest roads in North America and
we would not have been able to get
there without you and your efforts.”
ORBA has been a key partner for
the Ministry of Transportation,
said Wynne.
“I completely believe in an open
relationship,” she said, commenting
on the value of open and constructive
dialogue. “I continue to welcome
your input.”
Wynne commented on the importance
of not creating a backlog in
infrastructure renewal.
“We need to have a long view and
stay on track with our infrastructure
renewal program even though we are
in tough economic times,” she said.
“We need to keep going even when it
takes a long time to come to fruition.”
She spoke about the Ontario Government
working to make local businesses
more competitive internationally and
mentioned tax reform “to strengthen
the economy and bring businesses to
the province.”
Wynne also mentioned the need for
innovation within the industry and
greener technologies.
“When I talk about these things I
know you know more about it than I
do,” she remarked. “I will learn. We
are working together to transform this
industry to be on the cutting edge.
With your support we will be able to
move forward. Your dedication and
expertise is essential.”
She also encouraged further promotion
of safe driving and made
reference to provincial laws regarding
the use of cellphones while driving.
“The surge in these technologies that
people who don’t drive for a living
use has caught up everyone in the
law,” she said. “We will continue to
review this.”
Wynne concluded by saying she is
“getting maps” and looks forward to
travelling across the province and
meeting industry members along
the way.