Ottawa Abandons Highway System

The federal budget ignores Nova Scotia's most basic highway needs said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

Clouded in a $2.65-billion infrastructure program, Ottawa will provide less than $5-million per year for improvements to Nova Scotia highways, Mr. Russell said today.

"We couldn't build five kilometres of Highway 101 for that kind of money," Mr. Russell said. "If we spent every nickel Ottawa signs over on that single project, it would take 10 years to get to Kentville. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement."

Transportation ministers from every province had called on Ottawa for a $17-billion highways program. Instead, the federal government has laid out a plan that would likely see about $725- million spent on national highways across Canada over the next six years. Nova Scotia's share would be less than $5-million per year. The rest of Ottawa's $2.65-billion announcement is earmarked for municipal infrastructure projects.

"The federal government still takes $125-million a year in fuel tax from Nova Scotians," said Mr. Russell. "We want our fair share back."