Statement by the FCM President on the federal budget

OTTAWA, March 4 /CNW Telbec/ - Statement by Basil Stewart, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Mayor of Summerside, P.E.I:

FCM applauds the federal government for protecting core investments in cities and communities as it reduces the federal budget deficit. These investments will help local governments - and Canadian property tax payers - build the infrastructure that is the backbone of our economy and quality of life.

The government is standing by its promise to permanently invest $2 billion a year in gas tax revenues in safer roads and bridges, quality public transit, and clean drinking water. This commitment, along with funding for affordable housing and the GST Rebate for municipalities, is helping local governments build greener communities that can compete for new jobs, talent, and investment in the post-recession world.

Canadians can't afford to relive the 1990s deficit-fight, when federal and provincial budget deficits were shifted on to their property tax bills, or paid for with cuts to local services. Today's budget protects Canadians by protecting their communities.

The Economic Action Plan proves that governments must work together to meet national challenges. As stimulus spending winds down, we must put this partnership to work tackling the longer-term problems playing out in our communities, from street gangs to homelessness to climate change.

With vision and leadership, all three orders of government can continue working together to meet the challenges of the 21st century and measurably improve the lives of Canadians.

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