I never really believed this was going to happen, because a) even in 2014 I saw Wynne as a lying opportunist in the McGinty tradition; but also because b) having made the promise, nothing was ever done to get this moving. Placing the project under MOT, rather than ML, and the Collenette mission (a toe-in-the-water strategy if there ever was one) seemed to keep this out of the hands of anyone who would push it forward. Del Duca has always been mute on the topic. If Murray actually had an interest in HSR, it left the portfolio when he dId.
What I find so appalling in this government is not that they lie - all politicians do some of that - but how clueless they are at saying things without thinking through the potential consequences. I can't believe that Colenette's analysis would have slammed HSR - nor would he have found a strong anti HSR sentiment. There would be public skepticism and sticker aversion, true, but the business and political communities in both KW and London are in favour. So while QP was never serious about it, they have painted themselves into a corner all the same.
Having said that, the concept is comparable to a kettle that never boils but never gets taken off the burner either. Matthews' comments clearly suggest that the heat has been turned down, but that could change. There are elections coming, and the allegation that the Liberals are warm to KW and cool to London is a hot button - just look at how that tactic played out in Scarborough.
- Paul
