Finance Minister Bill Morneau spoke to more than 100 members of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities today about federal infrastructure investment across the country.
Rapid transit, collaboration between municipal and federal government and legislation for the prospective Canada Infrastructure Bank were among the list of issues raised at the conference for the group and members of parliament.
“We are the largest municipality in Canada without a rapid transit system and we really do need it,” Harold Usher, representative of London Ontario said.
Minister Morneau’s speech predicted that legislation of the Canada Infrastructure Bank in 2017. The Bank will provide loans and capital investments on large infrastructure projects. Minister Morneau said there are hopes of getting it up and running shortly after the legislation is passed.
“Our rule is to find a way to have those projects as something we achieve together,” Minister Morneau said in response to concerns about municipal influence in project selection.
Leader of the Opposition Rona Ambrose will address the Federation of Canadian Municipalities at the Chateau Laurier tomorrow.
Header photo Chantal Bacchus
