Burnside Expressway is vital to the success of Atlantic Gateway

Nova Scotians deserve, and expect, a provincial budget to be delivered in a timely manner. The importance of this, particularly with the current economic forecast, is to ensure measures are included in the budget to help Nova Scotians through tough economic times. A provincial budget delivered on time allows school boards to hire teachers, health authorities to fill gaps in emergency service, and roads to be paved.
The next provincial budget, usually delivered by March 31 of each year, if delayed as late as June, will also delay infrastructure spending. This is particularly concerning for myself and residents of Dartmouth North. It's a concern because we have all been waiting too long for the Burnside Expressway. A late budget will set back this vital link, which is already far behind schedule with construction not scheduled to begin until 2011.
I was happy to hear in early January that the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal finally committed to a route and time-line for the construction of the Burnside Expressway. I fear this positive news could only be temporary with the delay of the provincial budget. This infrastructure plan is too important to be lost in political gesturing.
This expressway, I believe, is a vital way to ensure the success and longevity of the Atlantic Gateway. For my riding of Dartmouth North, all of the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Burnside Expressway is vital. It represents a huge business opportunity for this region, and for economic drivers like Burnside, and am committed to making sure that we don't let this chance for growth escape us.
It is good news that some progress, although slow, is being made on the Burnside Expressway. The design study, as well as an impact study have been or are almost complete. Unfortunately, the most important aspect of the project - the cost-benefit analysis - has not been done and could very well be in danger of being put off with the delay of the provincial budget. This is a project that requires leadership. Leadership to ensure a cost-benefit analysis is done and that funds are available for this crucial infrastructure project. Rodney MacDonald has not displayed the leadership it takes to move this project from paper to reality.
Nova Scotia, and Halifax, must be leaders. This province must bring all our Atlantic partners together so Ottawa is faced with the strongest possible business case for serious infrastructure funding support. We must strive as a province to achieve everything we can.
In order to lead, Nova Scotia must have a plan, and this plan has to start with a budget sooner, rather than later.
If you would like to speak to me, call me at 461-0181.
weeklydartmouth@hfxnews.ca