'Fast-tracking' of Cornwall bypass raises priority questions

The P.E.I. government got an earful Wednesday from PC interim leader Jamie Fox for pushing through the $65-million Cornwall bypass.

• Cornwall bypass roundabouts ready for traffic

Fox wanted to know how other projects, such as an upgrade at the Hillsborough Hospital, are now seemingly not getting funded.

He noted that in 2014 capital budget there was $5 million set aside for a replacement of the mental health facility, but in the most recent capital budget there was no line item for the project.

"We had important projects on the books, ready to go, Hillsborough hospital and the other manors. All of a sudden they're shoved aside and we see a fast tracking of a $65-million Cornwall bypass, you know, to save two or three minutes," Fox said in the legislature.

"We need to look at our priorities in the province and where they are."

Infrastructure Minster Paula Bigger replied that hospitals do not fall under the infrastructure replacement program for funding.

Health Minister Robert Henderson added that there is money set aside and that his department will be making an announcement soon about upgrades.

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