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New transit funding welcome, but experts wary of execution
By Aidan Chamandy February 22, 2021
On Feb. 10, the feds announced nearly $15-billion in new transport funding over the next eight years. The money is to be doled out in two parts: a $5.9-billion dollar fund, starting this year, for 'shovel-ready' projects, and a new $3-billion transfer per year starting in 2026. The shovel-ready projects will be chosen on a project-by-project basis.
Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna, pictured Oct. 1, 2020 on the Hill, said during a Feb. 10 funding announcement that the government was 'helping to stimulate the economic recovery of Canada's communities.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
On the heels of the federal government announcing billions of dollars for a new transportation transfer starting in 2026, and more money for “shovel-ready projects” to be doled out immediately, transportation experts and the NDP’s transport critic say the money is welcome, but are questioning the timelines and are wary of the funds going to the wrong projects.
Aidan ChamandyAidan Chamandy is a reporter covering federal policy and parties for The Hill Times.
Follow - achamandy@hilltimes.com
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