Conservatives’ million-dollar Metrolinx man holds announcement to announce nothing: NDP

QUEEN'S PARK - Official Opposition NDP Transit critic Joel Harden (Ottawa Centre), GTA Issues critic Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale—High Park), and local MPP Jill Andrew (Toronto—St. Paul's) expressed deep concerns and frustrations over Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster's announcement, or lack thereof, regarding the opening date for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT today.

"No one should be surprised that today's announcement from Metrolinx and Phil Verster was once again nothing substantial," said Harden. "The only tour Verster should be on is his farewell tour. Metrolinx keeps announcing they have no announcements, leaving transit riders in the dark. The public deserves answers, and they deserve them now."

Today’s nothingburger announcement only adds to the frustration of residents, small businesses, and transit riders who have endured years of disruptions and uncertainty. The project is now three years late and more than $1 billion overbudget.

Andrew echoed the frustration of her local community. "Residents and small businesses along Eglinton have endured years of disruption, road closures, and construction noise. Many small businesses have gone under; others are at the breaking point. The Conservatives’ million-dollar man at the helm, Phil Verster, surrounded by a team of executives, can't get the job done. The public has been patient for too long. Verster's inability to provide a timeline and opening date is an insult to the people enduring the consequences of this ongoing fiasco."

“For too long, successive Liberal and Conservative governments and their appointed CEOs have failed to deliver on promises and effectively manage major infrastructure projects," said Karpoche. "Phil Verster and Metrolinx are playing with people's lives and livelihoods. It's clear Verster's salary doesn't match his performance. It's time for the Ford government to finally take some responsibility for this never-ending project and remove Verster as CEO.”