Trudeau announces transit project funding plan

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced CA$14.9 billion for public transit projects over the next eight years, which includes permanent funding of CA$3 billion per year for Canadian communities beginning in 2026-2027.

According to a statement, these investments will:

• create new jobs by building major public transit projects, providing dedicated planning funding to accelerate future major projects, and supporting the expansion of large urban transit systems;

• reduce pollution and create jobs by enhancing public transit systems and switching them to cleaner electrical power, including supporting the use of zero-emission vehicles and related infrastructure, complementing the work of the Canada Infrastructure Bank; and

• help those living in rural and remote areas travel to and from work more easily and access essential services.

“When we invest in public transit infrastructure, we are supporting good middle class jobs, creating better commutes, fighting climate change, and helping make life easier and more affordable for Canadians. We will continue to do what it takes to ensure our economic recovery from COVID-19 and build back a more resilient country for everyone,” Trudeau said in the statement.