The riding of Mushkegowuk—James Bay, represented by MPP Guy Bourgouin, spans a vast region in northeastern Ontario, encompassing communities such as Hearst, Kapuskasing, Moosonee, and several First Nations. Highway 11/17, a key transportation artery in this region, is critical for connecting these localities and supporting their economic and social lifelines.

However, these roads are often deemed dangerous due to harsh weather conditions, inadequate winter maintenance, and substandard infrastructure.

During an interview on TSQ Radio, MPP Guy Bourgouin voiced the concerns of his constituents about the numerous hazards they face. He has tabled legislation to improve the winter maintenance of Route 11/17, including reclassifying it as a Category 1 highway to ensure faster and more efficient snow clearing.

Despite these efforts, the provincial government has yet to adopt these measures, leaving residents and road users in a precarious situation. Local communities continue to demand concrete actions to secure these vital roads that are essential to their daily lives.

“If the roads close, there’s no detour. This is the Trans-Canada Highway—Highway 11/17. I often tell people that this is not some backroad; it’s the Trans-Canada, and we need services that reflect that reality.”

In addition to his efforts to improve road maintenance, MPP Bourgouin has proposed measures to enhance truck driver training, a major concern given the growing fears among residents about using the highway for travel.

“We’re seeing so many incidents happening. There were two regular snowstorms—not like the one in Gravenhurst where they got four and a half feet of snow in one shot. But 10 inches of snow? We’re used to that. What we’re seeing are people without the experience to drive in winter conditions. Especially truck drivers with little experience, who follow too closely, rear-end others, jackknife, and shut down the highways.

 

People need to understand that for us, these are major arteries. If we want to get to medical appointments, send our kids to school, or get to work, we rely on Highway 11/17—there are no alternatives!”

MPP Bourgouin recently raised a CBC Marketplace investigation in the Legislature that exposed fraudulent practices in truck driver training in Ontario. The undercover report revealed that some driving schools provided far less than the required 103.5 hours of training mandated under the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program. This allowed unqualified individuals to obtain their licenses through bribery and falsified documents.

Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria acknowledged during the investigation that there were “a few bad actors.” However, MPP Bourgouin contends that the problem is far more systemic and alarming.

“The report mentioned, if I recall correctly, 14 institutions that were illegally signing certifications to let individuals take their tests. This clearly shows there are people who shouldn’t be behind the wheel,” Bourgouin lamented.

 

“I told the minister to revoke the licenses of these institutions, identify the culprits, and go back and re-test everyone who obtained their licenses through them. Give them a reasonable timeframe to retake the test, but this situation must be corrected to send a clear message that this is unacceptable.”

 

“This isn’t just one or two bad actors; it’s much bigger than that. Like I said, it’s systemic. And yet, the minister keeps saying we have the safest roads in North America. Let me tell you, in my riding, every time he says that, people get even more frustrated and angry with the ministry.”

Faced with reports of fraud and corruption in licensing centers, MPP Bourgouin is advocating for mandatory training requirements before obtaining Class A or D licenses, including at least 20 hours of winter driving simulation.

“Twenty hours isn’t much, let’s be honest. I wanted to propose a lot more, but with such a partisan government, I tried to make it as feasible as possible. Once the bill is passed, it goes to committee, where it can be amended. Trucking companies and municipalities can testify and contribute their perspectives.”

MPP Bourgouin emphasized that during discussions with companies using simulators, some noted that while helpful, these tools alone were insufficient for comprehensive training. He aims to bring this information to the committee to strengthen the proposal.

According to Bourgouin, the issue doesn’t lie with truck drivers themselves but rather with the institutions issuing certifications inadequately. “Workers just want their licenses so they can work and provide for their families.”

He further advocates equipping all drivers with the necessary tools and training to gain real-world experience. The minister recently told Bourgouin he liked the bill and mentioned a new motion requiring drivers to have one year of experience driving a car before qualifying to become truck drivers.

“That’s all well and good,” Bourgouin responded, “but if they’re only driving in Toronto for a year, they’ll never gain experience with snow! Driving a car and driving a truck in winter conditions are completely different—the response is entirely distinct.”

Additionally, Bourgouin has introduced the “Chad’s Law,” which seeks to ban overtaking on roads marked with double yellow lines. This legislation was inspired by a tragic accident in his riding caused by a dangerous passing maneuver.

“It happened right outside her community,” Bourgouin explained, referring to Johanne Baril, Mayor of Val Rita-Harty, who also spoke out about the unprecedented dangers on Highway 11/17. “And she’s not the only mayor raising this issue!”

Despite support from multiple municipalities in Northern Ontario, this legislation has yet to be adopted by the provincial government. Bourgouin continues to advocate for its implementation, noting that Ontario is one of the few provinces where such overtaking is not explicitly prohibited.

“We must improve these roads for the people in the North because they’re dangerous, and we have an obligation to protect our constituents.”

MPP Bourgouin’s initiatives reflect a deep commitment to improving road safety in Northern Ontario. However, the provincial government’s inaction on these proposals leaves residents and road users vulnerable. Communities continue to demand bold, decisive measures to enhance safety on Highway 11/17—a vital lifeline for their daily lives and the truck drivers who depend on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Hwy 11/17 kills people – La route 11/17 tue des gens.

Read More : 

• Transportation in Northern Ontario: Mayor Johanne Baril Sounds the Alarm on the Dangers of Highways 11/17

Translated using a translation program.