OTTAWA—Canada’s big-city mayors have issued a statement urging the federal government to help cities kickstart economic recovery in its upcoming budget.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Big City Mayors’ Caucus (BCMC) met with Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic Leblanc, Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett and Minister of Housing Ahmed Hussen on Feb. 7.
“Our federal-municipal partnership has done so much for Canadians throughout this pandemic, and it will be just as key to driving an inclusive, sustainable recovery,” said Mike Savage, chair of the BCMC and mayor of Halifax, in a statement. “As economic engines for this country, cities play key roles in achieving national recovery goals, including creating jobs, tackling the housing crisis and meeting Canada’s climate goals.”
A release noted the caucus addressed pandemic-induced transit farebox shortfalls during its meeting with Freeland.
“We are calling red-alert on these pandemic-driven transit shortfalls,” stated Savage. “Mayors have been crystal-clear that federal leadership, alongside the provinces, is urgent to hold off service reductions that’ll hurt people. Let’s also be clear: cities need this crisis averted to get into a position to proactively lead the broader, inclusive, sustainable recovery Canadians are counting on.”
The mayors also proposed scaling up the Rapid Housing Initiative to address affordable housing and recommended new spending on landfill gas capture, community energy generation, and green vehicles and charging infrastructure as contributions to the green transition.
Recent Comments
comments for this post are closed