FCM concerned with CPC platform’s infrastructure spending reductions
October 15, 2019
By CCE
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has responded to the Conservative Party of Canada’s (CPC’s) election platform—which was released on Oct. 11—by expressing concern over its reductions to year-over-year infrastructure spending.
“Cities across the country have an urgent need for increased investment in infrastructure,” says FCM president Bill Karsten. “Proposed measures in this platform appear to move in the opposite direction, with fewer dollars available year-over-year. To build roads, expand transit networks and develop housing, municipalities need predictable, long-term funding.”
At the same time, FCM expresses optimism over the platform’s commitment to a ‘rural lens’ in cabinet decisions and recognition of the need for communities to respond to climate extremes.
“We are pleased to the see CPC acknowledge the importance of local disaster mitigation efforts, as well as our call for a ‘rural lens,” says Karsten. “Overall, we will need more detail on how infrastructure investments will empower municipalities to meet the front-line needs of Canadians.”
FCM says its staff and membership will continue to analyze the commitments put forward by CPC and other federal parties ahead of the Oct. 21 election.
