It's still pretty early in the term of this government. I assume by now the Minister has been briefed in detail on GO RER and the "Extensions" (Niagara, Waterloo Region which includes the Bypass, Bowmanville). They are probably trying to figure out the fiscal situation and if they can proceed on exactly what the previous government promised. While they've said they support existing plans and more service to certain locations, they haven't said anything about technology or service levels. So expect answers like this for several months. It happens with any new government outside their urgent promises (cap and trade repeal, York Strike, killing the windfarm near Kingston).
You posted while my last post went up. I fully appreciate and agree with your points. What's truly disturbing is not whether they can proffer an answer or not, it's the blatant lack of proper legislative protocol and not making a promise to the legislature that an answer on specifics will be forthcoming.
Instead the response was pure bluster, and that's being kind. When does this regime get past their sales brochure? From what I'm reading of Hansard, it's all they have. If there was substance as you project, (and I agree on the probability of what you state as to being briefed) in respect to their claim of (gist) "doing it differently from the last regime" and "for the people" yada, yada, yada...not only were "The Folks" cheated on this obfuscation, so was the institution and sanctity of parliamentary representation and accountability.
My gut feeling? Slash time, and they're hiding behind weasel words. If it was otherwise, they *ostensibly* would have offered something rational and accountable in their reply.
I'm going to be scouring the Globe to see if 'brother' Yakabuski has any comments on the matter. I fully expect other journos will, including some in the Post, especially Coyne.
Yakabuski should have known better:
His late brother, Kim Yakabuski, was the life partner of former Liberal
Attorney-General Ian Scott.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Yakabuski
Still, no place for individual initiative in this regime it seems. I wonder if Mulroney has been co-opted and assimilated by the 'collective' yet? Please...not her. Maybe Brian can have her rescued before it's too late?
Edit to Add: To establish my claim of Yakabuski "should have known better" above, I did some digging on QP Hansard, and at one time, the man expressed an intellect and awareness of his position and surroundings.
In Opposition:
[...]I quote standing order 14, which says, “Whenever the Speaker is of the opinion that a motion offered to the House is contrary to the rules and privileges of Parliament, the Speaker shall rule it out of order and may quote the rule or authority applicable.” I have quoted for you the rule on substantive motions, and I have shown how this motion breaches that rule. I would therefore ask that you rule this motion out of order at this time.
[...]
https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-...ts/parliament-39/session-2/2010-09-28/hansard
But then again, cults and gangs erase the ability of the individual to express their prior intellect...