Canada's New Budget Gives Boost to Cities

Canadian cities will get a portion of the Federal gas tax to fund public transportation and other major infrastructure projects.

1 minute read

February 25, 2005, 1:00 PM PST

By Michael Dudley


"In his budget yesterday, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale announced that Ottawa will share 1.5 cents a litre of gas-tax money, starting with $600-million this year. That's up from one penny a litre, signalled earlier.

Even more significant, the minister pledged to extend the gas-tax program indefinitely, beyond the Liberal election promise of a five-year, $5-billion program.

'The new deal is a real deal with this budget,' said Ann MacLean, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. 'There is a confirmation of the need to reinvest financially into our cities and communities and also a commitment for a long-term partnership.'"

Thanks to Michael Dudley

Thursday, February 24, 2005 in The Globe and Mail

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