Ontario Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli touted his government’s investments in hospitals and other infrastructure while aiming partisan jabs at the Progressive Conservatives and their leader Tim Hudak in a campaign-style appearance in Ottawa Tuesday.
Speaking at Queensway Carleton Hospital, which is undergoing a $130-million expansion, Chiarelli said more than 700 projects were completed this year and announced a new 10-year infrastructure plan to ensure stable funding for new projects will be unveiled in spring.
He also drew sharp contrasts between the Liberals and the Tories.
“The previous government closed 28 hospitals over eight years, and our government built 18 new hospitals across the province in six years,” he said.
Tory Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod accused Chiarelli of refighting old battles to deflect attention from his own government’s record.
“They really lose credibility every time they come out and pick a fight with Mike Harris,” she said.
Chiarelli made no apologies for his comments, some 10 months ahead of next October’s election.
“Tim Hudak declared the election campaign on,” he said, “So I’m saying to him, ‘Bring it on.’”
