Cumberland Candidate Stephen Blais has called on Orléans MP, Royal Galipeau to scrap the $2.5 million federal funding for the St Joseph/Jeanne d'Arc Roundabout.

“The east end is in desperate needs of major infrastructure investments, but this roundabout is nothing but a safety hazard for our residents,” says Blais. “This $2.5 million can be invested in community projects that will improve our quality of life rather than waste taxpayers money with dangerous consequences.”

On February 10, 2010, city council approved the St Joseph/Jeanne d'Arc Roundabout with some east end city councillors dissenting. Orleans and Innes city councillors Bob Monette and Rainer Bloess did express concerns regarding safety issues.

“I have knocked on thousands of doors and not a single resident want this roundabout,” adds. “This roundabout is further evidence that city hall is in desperate need of change and leadership.”

On August 23, 2006, Cumberland Councillor Rob Jellett withdrew his support for his own plan to favour east-side roads and transit projects over those in other parts of the city, which was intended to make up for a long-standing imbalance in spending on these projects.

“Councillor Jellett said he withdrew his own motion because more work and study needed to be done before endorsing such a plan,” adds Blais. “After almost four years, Councillor Jellett has still not shown any leadership or willingness to fight for our community.”

According to city staff in August 2006, of the approximately $500 million spent on east-side and west-side projects, about 20 per cent went to initiatives located in the east.