Canada’s cities are at the centre of our country’s success; driving economic growth, employment and innovation. As our population grows and changes, our cities are facing increasing challenges in dealing with the growing burden placed on municipalities.
Liberals recognize the importance of the challenges facing cities, which is why our government created the New Deal for Cities and Communities. Through federal transfers such as the GST rebate and the gas tax, our government provided stable, long-term commitments, with the predictable funding cities need to fix roads, improve local infrastructure and ensure clean water supplies.
Public transit is more important to Canadian cities than ever before. By 2031, there will be 3 million more people living in the GTA and Hamilton, and another one and a half million cars on the roads, creating more smog and pollution. Serious investments in public transit are required to reduce commute times and create a cleaner environment.
Each year more than 200,000 newcomers choose Canada as their home, and most of them settle in our major cities. The burden falls on those cities to help them build a new life, to raise their families, to help them succeed. We must work together with our municipal partners to help new Canadians integrate into community life.
To meet the challenges we face, and the opportunities that come with them, we need to work together, in partnership with Canada’s municipalities. While it is critical that we respect each order of government’s constitutional responsibilities, our cities must be part of the discussion as we plan the future of our great country.
