Close X
Monday, December 2, 2024
ADVT 
National

Liberals earmark $250M for rural transit

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Mar, 2021 05:14 PM
  • Liberals earmark $250M for rural transit

The Liberals are setting aside $250 million over five years in a dedicated fund for rural transit, with the minister in charge saying the cash could be used for innovative on-demand services, not just traditional systems.

Federal infrastructure programs that help build or update transit systems have provided money to rural projects, but Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna noted they don't have a dedicated funding stream.

McKenna said the government needs to make sure that transit funding considers rural communities, and is not solely focused on how to get people around major urban centres.

Rural communities often don't lend themselves to traditional mass-transit bus and subways systems, with more sparsely populated areas and residents who may travel out of town for work or school.

McKenna said there are some creative transit solutions that have caught the government's attention, from app-based on-demand services to ride-sharing arrangements.

"There are examples of clear opportunities and I think that we have to be innovative," she said in an interview.

"It's really looking at those opportunities, which can also be cost-effective, but provide better service."

McKenna said the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic mean that federal infrastructure dollars will also need to more quickly fund projects to keep rural communities competitive.

"In some of these communities, if you don't have good transit, it's a real disadvantage," she said.

"I hear from mayors. They say it's a disadvantage to attract investment because people want to go where you have good public transit, you're able to get around."

Speaking at a Monday press conference, Rural Economic Development Minister Maryam Monsef said the predictable funding should help small communities plan and implement ideas they have on the table.

The Canadian Urban Transit Association welcomed the funding, saying rural communities' transit needs have often been overlooked through programs designed to serve big cities.

Ray Orb, head of the rural forum for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, called the funding a good first step in recognizing the unique needs and capacities of rural communities.

 

The funding announced Monday is part of $15 billion in planned transit spending over eight years, the details of which the Liberals have rolled out over the last few weeks.

The Liberals are promising billions in permanent transit funding as part of a post-pandemic recovery, including $3 billion annually in a transit fund starting in five years.

There are expectations the government will roll traditional infrastructure spending into its coming budget to help with an economic recovery from COVID-19.

The Liberals have a $188-billion, 12-year infrastructure program — about half of which is funding created by the previous Conservative government — that the current government hoped would aid in economic growth.

Last week, the federal auditor general warned that holes in reporting and delayed spending put the overall program at risk of falling short of its goals.

"There's more we can be doing and I think there are lessons learned," McKenna said. "Every taxpayer dollar has to get multiple outcomes, and that is more important than ever."

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Industry minister foresees biotech revival

Industry minister foresees biotech revival
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last month that Canada has a new contract with Maryland-based Novavax to eventually churn out doses of its vaccine at a new National Research Council facility going up in Montreal.

Industry minister foresees biotech revival

Deadliest February yet for B.C. overdose deaths

Deadliest February yet for B.C. overdose deaths
The BC Coroners Service says it is the 11th consecutive month in which the province has recorded more than 100 fatalities.

Deadliest February yet for B.C. overdose deaths

No playbook for Meng's airport arrest: Crown

No playbook for Meng's airport arrest: Crown
Meng's legal team is asking the judge to stay proceedings in her extradition case because they argue her charter rights were violated at the airport.

No playbook for Meng's airport arrest: Crown

COVID-19 weakened environmental rules: study

COVID-19 weakened environmental rules: study
Victoria Goodday at the university's School of Public Policy found that 143 environmental rules and regulations were loosened last year.

COVID-19 weakened environmental rules: study

Take Action: How to Help Tackle Climate Change

Take Action: How to Help Tackle Climate Change
How to Help Tackle Climate Crisis

Take Action: How to Help Tackle Climate Change

Two alleged armed robbery suspects arrested: Surrey RCMP

Two alleged armed robbery suspects arrested: Surrey RCMP
Shortly before 8 p.m. on March 21, 2021, Surrey RCMP were called to a report of a robbery near 57 Avenue and 148 Street.

Two alleged armed robbery suspects arrested: Surrey RCMP