Public still backs infrastructure spending

“Roads, bridges, public transit and water systems are the backbone of our economy and quality of life,” said Carl Zehr on behalf of the mayors of Canada’s 22 largest cities, at a meeting at the Federation of Canadian Muncipalities (FCM) on January 21 in Ottawa.

The FCM has conducted a public opinion survey that shows 69 per cent of Canadians believe that infrastructure investments are among the most important areas to protect from budget cuts — second only to healthcare.

The 22 mayors urged the federal government to continue providing core funding for projects to build and repair municipal infrastructure.  They urged all the political parties to support a permanent Gas Tax fund, the 100 per cent GST refund, and affordable housing programs.

The mayor of Regina, Pat Fiacco, called for a national infrastructure summit to focus on long-term infrastructure needs.