Ron MacKinley
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal

Working Toward Improved Island Roads and Highways

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is proud to serve Island residents. The department works hard to improve the Island's transportation infrastructure and improve the safety of Island roads. The department has had many accomplishments over the past 12 months and I'd like to share some of those with you now.

Over the last year the department received unprecedented levels of funding through the Province's five-year Capital Budget. A full $250 million was set aside for road and bridge construction and $57 million was used this year. This funding allowed the department to accomplish much in the way of infrastructure renewal including replacement of seven bridges and reconstruction of almost 180 kilometres of roadway.

The Highway Safety Division works hard at public education and safety promotion to help make our highways operate as safely as possible. Over the past year the department strengthened the province's drinking and driving laws, implemented double fines for speeding in school and construction zones and promoted cycling safety through its Share the Road campaign. These and other initiatives will go a long way to improving the safety of the Island's roads.

Lastly, this year, the department's Human Resources Division implemented a new apprenticeship program for tradespeople. This program aims to resolve recruitment issues in areas where we have projected trade shortages including heavy duty equipment technician, truck and transport technicians, welders and other trades that may be identified.

As minister, I am proud of these accomplishments as well as others not mentioned above. My staff works very hard to improve the lives of Islanders through improved infrastructure and safer roads. I hope to continue to build on these successes and accomplishments in years to come.

Ron MacKinley
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal