(OTTAWA)—The Federation of Canadian Municipalities acknowledged the release of the Liberal Party of Canada’s 2019 election platform today, which includes a significant commitment on permanent investments in building public transit, and addresses federal support for local infrastructure as well as investments in rural broadband connectivity.

FCM also made clear that there is more to be done on protecting communities from the effects of climate change, and to address the housing affordability crisis by improving Canada’s current rental housing stock.

“The platform issued today by the Liberal Party contains several measures that respond directly to the needs of Canadians in their communities. It includes an ambitious plan for a permanent investment in public transit including fleet electrification, important progress to ensure infrastructure dollars flow to municipalities as intended, and a commitment to maintain critical investments in adequate access to broadband for rural communities,” said Bill Karsten, President of FCM. “This is a clear recognition from the Liberal Party of the importance of working with cities and communities to build better lives for Canadians.”

“Some fundamental questions remain, particularly regarding the absence of an increase to the transfer to municipalities for core infrastructure. We had also hoped to see more specific measures that address the housing affordability crisis through supporting the rental market, and clearer recognition of the urgency and scale with which we must act now to protect Canadians at the local level from the effects of climate change and extreme weather. We remain hopeful that all federal parties will use the remaining weeks before the federal election as an opportunity to engage with municipal leaders and recommit to these policies.”

The Liberal Party’s platform also recognizes the importance of addressing Canada’s opioid abuse epidemic, reducing plastic waste, and advancing Indigenous reconciliation efforts. FCM will continue to analyze the commitments put forward by the Liberal Party of Canada and all federal parties ahead of the October 21st election date.

Contact: FCM Media Relations: (613) 907-6395, media@fcm.ca

Learn more: BuildingBetterLives.ca 

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