Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks in Ottawa two days before local byelection

Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited Ottawa on Tuesday, just days before a provincial byelection in a local riding, to tout government spending on rapid bridge replacements on Highway 417.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited Ottawa on Tuesday, just days before a provincial byelection in a local riding, to tout government spending on rapid bridge replacements on Highway 417.

He was joined by Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney. 

The byelection was called upon the departure of Progressive Conservative MPP and cabinet minister Merrilee Fullerton in March. Her departure left the Ottawa region without any cabinet representation in Ford's government.

No new money or policy was announced Tuesday, but Ford and Mulroney appeared to tout previous spending on Highway 417 rapid bridge replacements. The province has already committed $425 million toward replacing bridges on the Queensway. To date, bridges at Booth Street, Rochester Street, and Bronson Avenue have been replaced, with work on the Percy Street Bridge taking place next month and at Preston Street next year.

"These rapid bridge replacements will help ensure that we can keep people and goods moving throughout the Ottawa region for years to come," said Ford. "As our population and economy grow, our government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Ottawa’s road and highway system. We’re getting it done and building the infrastructure this region needs to reach its full potential."

Six people are running to replace Fullerton in Kanata-Carleton:

Elections Ontario said 6,664 people voted in advance polls last week. Polling stations will be open on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the byelection.