May 17, 2010
NDP in the Wrong Lane on the Port Mann Bridge, Economic Growth

VICTORIA – Ignoring billions in economic benefits and overlooking the creation of thousands of new jobs, NDP MLA Harry Bains recklessly re-confirmed his party’s opposition to the Gateway Project, including the new Port Mann Bridge.

“I’ve lived in Surrey my whole life, and I know first-hand the economic drain and personal strain that happens when people are stuck in traffic on Highway 1 trying to cross the Port Mann Bridge,” says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. “The Gateway Project will allow truck traffic to move freely, goods will be transported more efficiently, and the frustration of being stuck in gridlock will ease.”

Speaking in the legislature in response to Hayer’s Private Member’s Statement on the Gateway Project, NDP Surrey MLA Bains berated Hayer for supporting the project, and said, “I thought he would stand up on behalf of the Liberal government and apologize to the north Surrey residents in Whalley - how their neighbourhood will be affected by this project, why we neglected and ignored their concerns.”

“The NDP want to leave Whalley as is? No investment and no growth?” says Hayer. “The NDP should apologize for refusing to support these transportation infrastructure projects and initiatives to meet the needs of a thriving community.”

“Carole James and the NDP have said, ‘Wrong bridge, wrong plan’ about the Port Mann,” says Hayer. “The people in Surrey and across the Lower Mainland know that we need this new infrastructure to support the growth in our population, and the growth in our economy. The NDP need to stop being obstructionist, and get on board with building the bridges, roads, and highways that allow our economy to grow, creating jobs for people in B.C.”

For more info on the Gateway Program, visit http://www.davehayermla.ca/PMH1/

For the latest constituency news from MLA Hayer, visit his website www.davehayermla.bc.ca and follow him on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MLAHayer.