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New Cash for GTA Transit As Ont. Premier Lauds New Co-Operation With Ottawa

Posted on: Monday, 5 March 2007, 15:00 CST

By CHINTA PUXLEY

WINDSOR, Ont. (CP) - Ottawa is poised to chip in $1 billion in funding for Toronto-area transit to usher in what Premier Dalton McGuinty hailed Monday as a new era of co-operation between Ontario and the federal Conservatives.

Government sources say Ottawa will announce the money Tuesday to extend Toronto's subway north to Vaughan and improve transit in suburbs like Mississauga and Brampton. The cash will essentially match provincial funds that were set aside for the projects last year but have been held in trust awaiting a federal contribution.

Toronto-area municipalities are also expected to contribute just under $1 billion for the projects.

Although Tuesday's announcement will primarily benefit Toronto-area commuters, McGuinty said he expects all Ontario residents to profit from the province's new cordial relationship with Ottawa after the government delivers its budget March 19.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has a new appreciation for Ontario's long-standing complaint that the province doesn't get enough cash for health care, social services and infrastructure after meeting with the premier over the weekend, McGuinty said Tuesday during a stop in Windsor, Ont.

"It was a good conversation," McGuinty said of the 90-minute meeting. "The tone was very positive and I look forward to seeing it become productive in the upcoming budget."

"I'm looking forward to . . . benefits through the budget that will benefit all Ontarians."

McGuinty has long said Ontario is being short-changed by the federal government. On a per capita basis, Ontario receives significantly less cash for health care, social services, education and infrastructure than other provinces, he said.

The Liberals have had a rocky relationship with the federal Conservatives, accusing the minority government of reneging on a richer funding agreement signed with its Liberal predecessors. McGuinty has ramped up the rhetoric over the last six months, saying it's time Ottawa "stepped up to the plate" and started treating Ontario fairly.

Now, McGuinty said Ottawa finally seems ready to listen and even act on some of Ontario's concerns.

"I encouraged the prime minister to consider addressing outstanding inequities that have been outstanding for a long, long time," McGuinty said. "The prime minister listened, he learned a few things and I think there is a real sincerity on his part to address some of those issues."

Ontario government sources say part of that redress begins Tuesday when Harper will announce funding to improve Toronto-area transit. The province is kicking in $670 million to extend the subway to Vaughan's Highway 7. Another $95 million in provincial cash will make express transit service available in Brampton and $65 million will build a transitway in Mississauga.

That cash is being matched by about $1 billion in federal funding, one source said.

"Getting Harper to come to the table to the tune of $1 billion in GTA transit infrastructure is a good step towards fairness, which is what Dalton has been fighting for over the last couple years," said the source.

"It's a good sign both levels of government can work together to deliver results that will improve the quality of life for families."

Source: Canadian Press

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