I am opposed to Bill 212 in…

I am opposed to Bill 212 in its entirety, as its content has been developed with little to no supporting data. Provincial transportation policy should not be developed on the back of a napkin by the owners of Bloor West businesses who have access to the Minister's ear.

Gridlock is a serious issue in Ontario, and increasing the use of private motor vehicles will do nothing to help those who have no choice but to drive on their commutes. If the Minister took the contents of this bill—specifically the portion about bike lanes—and showed it to any lawmaker in Japan, the Netherlands, or Singapore (anywhere where transportation planning is done with care, and common sense), they would laugh in his face. This is terribly unserious policy that, in the long run, will make our province less competitive and less livable.

Instead of wasting countless hours (and taxpayer money!) to get in the way of municipal planning, the Minister should focus on the one thing that will truly alleviate gridlock in the province's most populated areas—regional rail. It is terribly ironic for the Minister to pen an article in The Star bemoaning his commute from Brampton (by car), while not using this platform to raise awareness of the GO Expansion project, one of the most important transit expansions on the continent.

Focus on solutions that will actually help drivers, transit users, people cycling and walking—Bill 212 isn't it.