Over the course of a five-day tour that included 10 communities, Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announced more than $137 million in new funding over the next few years on behalf of the provincial and federal governments.

A thriving economy needs strategic investments in transportation infrastructure to keep people and goods moving efficiently. Important projects such as this one increase job opportunities and provide a better quality of life for the middle class.

On his northern tour, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone visited Smithers and met with the advisory council, to give them an update on the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan.

Having safe, creative and welcoming gathering spaces where people can come together for educational, recreational and social events is critical for the health and well-being of Canadians. Community centres allow families and friends to support each other, share experiences and enjoy the quality of life that middle-class Canadians want and expect.

From visiting friends and relatives to getting goods to market, we rely on our roads, bridges and highways to support a vibrant economy and great quality of life. Investing in modern transportation infrastructure will help create jobs and grow the middle class now, while building the foundation for a strong economic future.

The project to remove the last level rail crossing on Highway 16 between Prince Rupert and the Alberta border is moving into the construction tender phase, now that the design has been finalized.