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Voices: Reactions to the LRT report

Several key players in the light rail inquiry or operations of the system weighed on the release of the inquiry's final report.
Several key players in the light rail inquiry or operations of the system weighed on the release of the inquiry's final report. Photo by Julie Oliver /Postmedia

“Collaboration and co-operation must be at the heart of the relationship between a public entity and its private partners. Unfortunately, with the LRT, in their efforts to protect their legal or commercial interest the parties created an atmosphere of mistrust.”  — Justice William Hourigan, Inquiry commissioner

“It’s not something that’s been seen before, as far as we’re aware, in a public inquiry — a participant putting out daily press briefings. We need to return to accountability and transparency with the people of Ottawa rather than information control and spin if the people are going to feel comfortable that their city is working for them.”  — John Adair, counsel for the OLRT Inquiry

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“All of the recommendations in this report could be adopted and that would still not guarantee perfect performance of Stage 1 nor will it ensure Stage 2 will be implemented without any challenges given the complex nature of the project and its contract. It’s now up to City Concil and city management to ensure there will be the right expertise in place and more transparency and accountability going forward.” — Mark Sutcliffe, Ottawa mayor

“My members and this union should feel vindicated. We had been enduring all the issues that were going on with LRT, even prior to its launch. The fact is that these trains were put on and there was a lot of dishonesty, a lot of disinformation, it was unproven technology… the list just keeps going.” — Clint Crabtree, president, Amalgamated Transit Union

“I can’t say I’m surprised by the findings because I had a front-row seat to what was going on. I saw it with my own eyes and this report validates for me that everything I thought I saw was accurate.” — Diane Deans, former city councillor

“As a funding partner, provincial taxpayers deserve accountability for their money. This public inquiry was called to address three fundamental concerns about the Ottawa LRT: safety, accountability, and value for tax dollars. Moving forward, we will continue making sure that Ontario taxpayers and transit riders get the best value for their money possible.” — Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation