nstn
01-10-2006, 09:57 PM
Will municipalities across Canada be able to strike a 'new deal' with the federal government (see CBC article below)? It seems as if the flow of funds may move more towards the provinces, who are demanding more funds as well, and who are ultimately responsible for municipal governments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cities demand new deal with federal government
CBC News Jan 9 2006 05:14 PM EST
Cities across Canada united to demand a long-term financial deal from the federal government.
[Ottawa] Mayor Bob Chiarelli demands a new deal with the federal government at a press conference at city hall.
Taking advantage of the leader's debate Monday evening, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities proposed a new financial deal that would allow cities to pay for repairs to crumbling infrastructure, to embark on new projects, and to offset the effect of years of downloading.
"We're nearing the end of a federal election campaign, and, so far, no one is talking about the places Canadians call home," said Gloria Kovach, president of FCM.
Kovach outlined a list of demands for all federal party leaders in a news conference at Ottawa City Hall Monday morning.
The federation hopes to put an end to the annual pilgrimage of mayors to Parliament Hill looking secure funding for yet another year.
Cities across Canada are $60 billion short of what they need to build and repair infrastructure, says Kovach.
In a letter to the leaders, the federation is asking federal party leaders to commit to:
* erasing a $60-billion infrastructure deficit within 20 years
* extending the five-year plan to share the federal gas tax
* immediately dispensing a promised $1.6 billion for social housing
* giving municipalities a seat at the table on issues affecting cities
Chiarelli weighs in
Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli joined Kovach at the news conference on Monday, adding that downloading has led to a $250 million funding deficit in Ottawa.
"We're trying to do our jobs with one hand tied behind our back, and we need the federal and provincial governments to cut the rope and let us work with two hands," said Chiarelli.
He said the lack of long-term commitment from the federal government prevents the city from planning major projects to handle growth.
Chiarelli asked all local candidates in the federal election to put their parties' promises in writing. He plans to publish their responses in a week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cities demand new deal with federal government
CBC News Jan 9 2006 05:14 PM EST
Cities across Canada united to demand a long-term financial deal from the federal government.
[Ottawa] Mayor Bob Chiarelli demands a new deal with the federal government at a press conference at city hall.
Taking advantage of the leader's debate Monday evening, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities proposed a new financial deal that would allow cities to pay for repairs to crumbling infrastructure, to embark on new projects, and to offset the effect of years of downloading.
"We're nearing the end of a federal election campaign, and, so far, no one is talking about the places Canadians call home," said Gloria Kovach, president of FCM.
Kovach outlined a list of demands for all federal party leaders in a news conference at Ottawa City Hall Monday morning.
The federation hopes to put an end to the annual pilgrimage of mayors to Parliament Hill looking secure funding for yet another year.
Cities across Canada are $60 billion short of what they need to build and repair infrastructure, says Kovach.
In a letter to the leaders, the federation is asking federal party leaders to commit to:
* erasing a $60-billion infrastructure deficit within 20 years
* extending the five-year plan to share the federal gas tax
* immediately dispensing a promised $1.6 billion for social housing
* giving municipalities a seat at the table on issues affecting cities
Chiarelli weighs in
Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli joined Kovach at the news conference on Monday, adding that downloading has led to a $250 million funding deficit in Ottawa.
"We're trying to do our jobs with one hand tied behind our back, and we need the federal and provincial governments to cut the rope and let us work with two hands," said Chiarelli.
He said the lack of long-term commitment from the federal government prevents the city from planning major projects to handle growth.
Chiarelli asked all local candidates in the federal election to put their parties' promises in writing. He plans to publish their responses in a week.