Transit Strategy: Olivia’s Update to Supporters
Conservatives Ignore Committee Testimonies on National Public Transit Strategy, But Fight Continues, Olivia Chow Urges in Letter
February 15, 2012
Dear Supporters:
As the Official Opposition Critic for Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities, I thank you for your continued support for a National Public Transit Strategy. I would like to give you an update on our recent parliamentary activities.
Important developments have taken place in the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) of which I am a member. Based on my initiative, the committee studied the feasibility and potential components of a National Public Transit Strategy over the past months.
After listening to 33 witnesses from 19 organizations that overwhelmingly supported our view that comprehensive, federal action is needed, the committee has concluded the study.
The Conservative majority on the committee has completed a final report that was tabled today, February 15, in the House of Commons. Unfortunately, key recommendations that many experts made were not included.
We have therefore tabled a dissenting opinion today. In the document, we call for dedicated, long-term federal funding for public transit, a clear federal leadership role and emphasize the importance of Canadian manufacturers and service providers in delivering the 21st century transit that our citizens and economy direly need.
Please find the text of the dissenting opinion here.
Please find the full text of the committee report here.
But our fight is far from over. The second hour of the second reading for my Bill C-305, the National Transit Strategy Act, has not been set yet. In the meantime, we continue to take our message to the citizens and stakeholders across the country – and I welcome your support in spreading the word.
I thank you for your support in getting Canada the public transit that this great country deserves.
Sincerely,
Olivia Chow, MP
Trinity-Spadina
