FCM: Joe Oliver's Presentation

FCM calls for National Leaders Debate on Municipal Issues

EDMONTON, AB - Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver delivered a keynote speech to delegates today at the Annual Conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in Edmonton.   Following the Minister's statement FCM president Brad Woodside released the following statement:

"Earlier this year FCM called for a new approach, a new era of cooperation between all orders of government focused on our country's most pressing challenges: jobs, the economy and our quality of life.  It's very encouraging to see all federal parties eager to pitch their platforms to Municipal leaders. It signals they are ready to work with municipalities as partners. This is a real win for Canadians. 

Minister Oliver spoke to the new Public Transit Fund. Municipalities welcomed this program and we have said this permanent dedicated funding of 1 billion dollars annually has the potential to be transformative for cities across the country.  We agree with the minister that investments in infrastructure are essential to a strong economy.  We will work with the government to extend its partnership with municipalities to improve roads and bridges and to deliver clean water. 

The federal government has not adequately addressed the housing crisis in this country.  We need to protect and build on the investments in affordable housing rather than allow them to expire.  We will continue to work with the government on solutions to this issue. 

These issues are critical to our economy and our quality of life. For months we've encouraged all Canadians to carefully scrutinize the platforms of the federal political parties as we head into an election.  The easiest way for Canadians to do this is through a National Leaders Debate on Municipal Issues.  We've extended this invitation to all parties, we've yet to hear a clear response  from the Prime Minister."