The President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Joanne Vanderheyden, issued the following statement on the announcement by the government of Canada of urgent federal support for public transit:
“Today’s announcement from Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland of support for transit operating shortfalls is very welcome news. Cities have been calling for emergency federal-provincial support to tackle huge 2022 operating budget shortfalls—driven especially by lost transit revenue over the course of the pandemic—to avoid cuts that would hurt people and dampen Canada’s recovery. This important measure will help protect the services Canadians depend on, and better ensure that cities can continue to be a key economic engine for Canada’s recovery from the pandemic.
“The necessity of all orders of government working together to support public transit, including the provinces, has never been more clear. Cities are looking to all our provincial counterparts to show the same leadership and match this commitment.
"While transit is one of the key social and economic pillars of our communities, the right supply of housing is another. Municipalities across Canada recognize housing affordability is a challenge that will require focus and dedication to ensure that we not only build more homes for Canadians, but that we do so urgently, and in an inclusive way. This work will require partnership with provinces, the federal government, the private sector, and our non-profit housing partners. Municipalities in Canada, large and small, stand ready to do our part.”
For more information please contact:
FCM Media Relations, (613) 907-6395, media@fcm.ca