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National Public Transit Strategy

The Call for Federal Leadership


Olivia Chow, MP (Trinity-Spadina) NDP Infrastructure and Transport Critic

Infrastructure: Cities Picking Up the Tab


1961: More or Less Even Burden
Infrastructure Ownership by Level of Government

2005: Result of Downloading


Infrastructure Ownership by Level of Government

12% 31% 24% Federal Provincial Municipal Federal Provincial Municipal

58%

30%

45%

Municipalities Not on Equal Footing


Total Taxes as % of GDP Uneven Tax Distribution
Per Capita Revenues Before Transfers 2004 $8,000 $7,000 $6,000 $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,000 $-

Canada: EU:

~32%

~40%
Tax Share by Govt Level

Federal: Provincial:

~46%

~45% Municipal: >10%

Result: Pent-Up Infrastructure Investments


Kicking the Can Down the Road Billions of Investments Needed
Across Categories Water Transit Transportation

Deferred necessary

repairs and replacements ballooning


So-called infrastructure

deficit in 1980s: $12 billion 2003: $60 billion Today: $133 billion

Waste Mgt Other* $$20 $40 $60

*Community, social, recreational and cultural infrastructure Source: FCM (2006)

Transfer Example: Gas Tax Fund


10 cents Gas Tax per litre Federal government keeps 5 cents Federal share goes to general

revenue
5 cents transferred to provinces,

provincial municipal associations for distribution Allocation: per capita basis


Provinces pass on portion to

municipalities

Dedicated Funding: Its That Easy


NDP Initiative: Take one cent of existing Gas Tax Dedicate it to public transit Provinces and municipalities would benefit Easily create $400 million annually in dedicated funding Help alleviate most pressing transit funding needs Sample Calculation: Average annual fuel consumption by car: ~1,630 litres Resulting Gas Tax: $163/year per car Dedicated to public transit: $16.3/year per car

Federal Leadership: Natl Transit Strategy


Core Components
Predictable, dedicated funding for transit Strong federal role in assessing, coordinating natl funding needs Long-term investment plan under federal leadership Continuous dialogue between all levels of government Clear funding criteria, accountability measures Innovation: investments in new transit technology

National Transit Strategy: Broad Support


Large cities, e.g. Calgary, Mississauga, Edmonton, Winnipeg,

Regina,, Kelowna
Canadian Urban Transit Association Federation of Canadian Municipalities Association of Municipalities of Ontario Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Regional transit agencies including Metrolinx, BC Transit Municipal transit operators, incl. Socit de Transport de

lOutaouais; Toronto, London and Ottawa Transit Commissions


Think-tanks, civic groups, e.g. The Pembina Institute, Transport

Action Canada Amalgamated Transit Union Canadian Council, Canadian Auto

What You Can Do


To Make the National Transit Strategy a Reality
Sign Olivias petition to parliament Inform yourself via her website oliviachow.ca Spread the message, get your community on board

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