Chapman: Expanded two-way, all-day GO train service for Kitchener remains a top NDP priority

KITCHENER – Debbie Chapman, the Ontario NDP candidate in the Kitchener Centre by-election, says two-way, all-day GO service remains a top priority for her and the Official Opposition NDP.

Today in the Legislature, Ford’s Conservatives voted against an NDP motion calling for a clear timeline and firm funding commitment for expanded GO train service between Kitchener and Toronto’s Union Station.

“An expanded and reliable GO service is something that consistently comes up on the doors, as I’ve been canvassing my riding of Kitchener Centre for the upcoming by-election. There’s a huge need for improved transit between Kitchener and Toronto, and a service that will greatly benefit residents of both cities,” said Chapman.

“The NDP continuously stands up for the people of Kitchener and fights for what the people have been demanding and advocating for. Today, Doug Ford and the Conservatives could have listened up and turned this into a reality, but they said no.”

The Ford Conservatives’ vote today once again leaves Kitchener-Waterloo residents in the dark about when they can finally expect expanded service.

Earlier this year, MPP Catherine Fife brought forward a petition calling for expanded GO service in Kitchener, which features thousands of signatures collected mainly by students in Kitchener-Waterloo. In June 2023, the Waterloo Regional chair sent a letter to Ford echoing calls for expanded service.

MPP Fife and the Ontario NDP have been calling for expanded GO service for Kitchener since 2012. The Ontario Liberal government of the day promised two-way, all-day service by 2024 but their plans stalled. Ford’s Conservatives have maintained the promise but can’t say when - or if - they’ll finally deliver.