FCM welcomes NDP support for enhanced Gas Tax Fund

OTTAWA , Sept. 23 /CNW Telbec/ - The following statement was released today by Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) President Basil Stewart , Mayor of Summerside, P.E.I., in response to a statement by New Democratic Party Infrastructure Critic Dennis Bevington on long-term funding for municipal infrastructure:

"FCM applauds the NDP for supporting sustained investments in cities and communities through an increase in the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF).

An enhanced GTF would provide more long-term, predictable funding to help municipalities upgrade water and wastewater facilities and provide quality roads, bridges, public transit, and recreational facilities. It would give municipalities a powerful tool to build and maintain the core infrastructure and transportation networks needed to serve businesses and attract new investments and jobs.

Today's announcement by the NDP clearly recognizes that municipalities need new revenue tools to meet their growing responsibilities while providing the core services Canadians count on every day.

An enhanced GTF would help cities and communities protect our quality of life, and build the strong, sustainable economic foundation we need to succeed in the post-recession world."

For further information: Maurice Gingues: [phone], or [email protected]