Doug Ford doubles down on Hwy 413 at Brampton campaign kick-off

Premier Doug Ford kicked off his election campaign in Brampton on Wednesday by reaffirming his commitment to build the controversial Highway 413.

The proposed highway would be a 50-km stretch of road that connects highways 400 and 407, and has seen opposition from politicians in Mississauga and Brampton.

Ford evaded questions about the estimated cost of the project, but said the highway would cut some 30 minutes off commuter trips.

The premier was also asked about recent developments in the United States and the Supreme Court’s reported decision to overturn abortion rights, and said that his party has no plans to poropose any legislation related to abortion rights in Ontario.

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Also known as the GTA West Highway, the Conservatives say the project would create an estimated 800 jobs annually.

But environmental activists have voiced concerns saying the four-to-six lane highway could pour an estimated 17 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions into the air by 2040.

Liberal Leader Steven Del Ducca has committed to scrapping the highway if elected premier.

The project was originally proposed and later cancelled by the previous Ontario Liberal government.

Oakville residents held a rally last month to voice their opposition to the construction of Highway 413.

The Ontario Conservatives are heading into the election with polls suggesting the party could secure another majority government.

Ford’s approval ratings rose and fell with the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both the NDP and the Liberals are trying to position themselves as the party best poised to defeat Ford.

The NDP heads into the election with far more incumbents and more funds, while the Liberals are drawing on the strength of their history of electoral victories.