Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
National

Cities Ask For Gas-Tax Fund Boost In 100-day Wish List For Trudeau Government

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 Nov, 2019 09:05 PM

    OTTAWA - Canada's cities say the federal Liberals are willing to find creative ways to remove political roadblocks from provinces to fund billions in municipal projects, a sign of hope that comes as they ask Ottawa for more money and new ways to fund local work.

     

    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his deputy Chrystia Freeland and other newly named cabinet ministers have given "very clear signals" about easing the flow of funds as part of their conversations with city leaders, said Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.

     

    Iveson's comments came near the end of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' conference in Ottawa this week, which will include a meeting with Trudeau this afternoon.

     

    The federal government has a number of options to make the money move, Iveson said, pointing to the doubling of the gas-tax funding this year, which the Liberals called a one-time arrangement to do an end-around on problematic provinces.

     

    It will be up to the Trudeau Liberals to lean on provinces to remove hurdles — political or otherwise — that have held up federal spending and, in turn, local construction plans for things like affordable housing, said Iveson, who chairs the federation's caucus of mayors from the largest cities in Canada.

     

    "If there's an opportunity to do the right thing and help reduce demand for a costly provincial public service, surely provinces can come to the table and be partners," Iveson said Thursday.

     

    "And if they're not, then the federal government needs to use all the tools in its tool kit to drive them back in to productive nation-building conversation."

     

    What the country needs, he said, was "courageous leadership" from all levels of government.

     

    Cities are also hoping for billions in new spending and potential new powers.

     

    On Thursday, the federation released its wish list for the first 100 days of the Trudeau government's second mandate. The document urges the Liberals to boost annual increases to the gas-tax fund to 3.5 per cent from two per cent, and permanently double the value of the program to about $4 billion.

     

    The group also wants the government to eliminate caps on funding for transit rehab projects, allow other spending to help cities upgrade their council chambers and administrative buildings, and add $2 billion in new spending for projects that help communities adapt to climate change.

     

    It's also asking for tens of billions in new spending commitments, including $34 billion for transit over 10 years once the current agreement runs out in 2028.

     

    Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna told the gathering of municipal leaders on Wednesday that getting projects built quickly is her top priority.

     

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Police Investigating After Video Shows Handcuffed Suspect With Gun In Cruiser

    Toronto police say they are investigating an incident in which officers placed a handcuffed suspect in the back of a cruiser while he was carrying a concealed gun.

    Police Investigating After Video Shows Handcuffed Suspect With Gun In Cruiser

    Baby Of Saskatchewan Curler Who Died Giving Birth To Be Released From Hospital

    SASKATOON - The baby daughter of a promising Saskatchewan curler who died during childbirth last week is going home.    

    Baby Of Saskatchewan Curler Who Died Giving Birth To Be Released From Hospital

    Big Business Makes Post-Election Pitch To Incoming Federal Government

    Big Business Makes Post-Election Pitch To Incoming Federal Government
    OTTAWA - Big business is adding its voice to a broader call for economy-lifting changes in Canada following an election campaign widely criticized for its dearth of deep policy discussion.

    Big Business Makes Post-Election Pitch To Incoming Federal Government

    Trudeau Turns To Political Veteran Anne McLellan On Tips To Form Government

    Anne McLellan, a one-time Liberal deputy prime minister, and Isabelle Hudon, Canada's ambassador to France, are providing tips to Trudeau on the formation of his new government.

    Trudeau Turns To Political Veteran Anne McLellan On Tips To Form Government

    Coquitlam RCMP Ask For Help Finding Sexual Assault Suspect ‘Jordan’, May Be Protected By Silence

    Coquitlam RCMP is asking you to help advance a two-month-old sexual assault investigation by identifying a suspect who is likely being protected by silence.

    Coquitlam RCMP Ask For Help Finding Sexual Assault Suspect ‘Jordan’, May Be Protected By Silence

    Supporting Extracurricular Opportunities For Students In B.C. Schools

    Supporting Extracurricular Opportunities For Students In B.C. Schools
    More than 1,300 parent advisory councils (PAC) and district parent advisory councils (DPAC) throughout B.C. are receiving approximately $11 million in Community Gaming Grants for the 2019-20 school year.

    Supporting Extracurricular Opportunities For Students In B.C. Schools