The Federation of Canadian Municipalities along with Canada's "Big City Mayors" have spent years advocating for direct investment into cities including for transit. It formed part of many discussions while I was at the last conference, and in between on climate caucus calls. So together with colleagues across the country, I was very pleased to see the federal government’s announcement of $14.9 billion in funding for public transit beginning in 2026-27.
Public transit is really important. Winnipeg Transit has been hard hit by the pandemic. Yet ridership has remained resilient and strong. Bus Operators have a particular story to tell during the pandemic. I know, this federal money is reassuring.
Work must continue to work with our government partners on the existing $203.61 million earmarked for Winnipeg Transit in the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Public Transit Infrastructure Stream which, if approved by Council, will soon see projects prioritized from the Transit Master Plan, including Zero Emission Buses.