For Immediate Release
February 26, 2016
ONTARIO’S BIG-CITY MAYORS’ STATEMENT ON THE ONTARIO 2016 BUDGET
LUMCO mayors commend the Ontario Government for significantly reducing the deficit while maintaining its commitment in infrastructure investment, job creation and housing.
The budget renewed the government’s commitment to spending $137 billion in the next 10 years on public infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, public transit, and schools.
“We are pleased to see a renewed commitment in Infrastructure investment. What municipalities in Ontario need is long term, predictable, sustainable and dedicated infrastructure funding mechanisms, similar to the permanent and indexed Federal Gas Tax Fund. We need to see quick action from the Province in delivering these funds to the municipal sector so as to not lose the 2016 construction season” said Jeff Lehman, Chair of LUMCO.
About the investments in affordable housing, Jeff Lehman, Chair of LUMCO stated “The three year investment of $178 Million for Affordable Housing while a good start, is not nearly enough to have a significant impact on addressing this growing problem facing communities across Ontario”.
The Mayors of Ontario’s largest cities are pleased to see that job creation and the economy are the top priorities for the Ontario Government. Our communities need jobs and a skilled workforce.
“Ensuring that students from families with incomes of $50,000 or lower have access to free tuition for University and college studies is a great step to making the education system more equitable” said Jeff Lehman, Chair of LUMCO.
We appreciate investments targeted to expand Ontario’s exports and businesses competitiveness in global market. This will help our cities gain and retain jobs needed so badly in our communities.
The Mayors of Ontario’s largest cities look forward to continue working with the Provincial government to solve issues for the benefit of our communities.
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