Commentary
Last week, a major Toronto infrastructure project observed a somber milestone. November 4th marked the 14th anniversary since the commencement of the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
The prolonged delays and exceeding budget of the project have turned it into a symbol of the challenges faced in completing public projects in Canada, as well as the lack of accountability surrounding such endeavors.
The Eglinton Crosstown project, a 19-kilometer train line with 25 stops, both above and below ground, should not be as complex as it has become. Similar lines are constructed worldwide with more efficiency and timeliness.
Despite growing public frustration, little has been done to hold those responsible accountable. Similar issues were encountered with Ottawa’s new LRT line, where winter conditions were not adequately considered, causing disruptions in service.
Various other projects in Canada are progressing at a slow pace, including military procurement and the national shipbuilding strategy, with ballooning costs and delayed timelines.
The lack of accountability and transparency in addressing these issues is concerning. Inquiries and hearings are scarce, leaving taxpayers to bear the burden of inefficiencies.
Improvement is possible if we seek examples elsewhere and adopt a more proactive approach. The U.S. Department of Justice’s actions against corruption in the New York City Housing Authority demonstrate a culture of accountability that is lacking in Canada.
It is time for Canadian authorities to prioritize accountability and transparency in public projects to regain public trust and improve the efficiency of infrastructure development.
It is imperative for Canada to adopt a similar approach to uncovering corruption and holding individuals accountable for their actions in public projects. Accountability is essential for the efficient and effective completion of infrastructure initiatives.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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