Olivia Chow, MP

National Transit Strategy: Conservatives Miss the Bus

Ignoring Broad Support, Conservatives Block National Transit Strategy Bill

September 20, 2012

OTTAWA – Conservatives have missed the bus again. Instead of charting a future path for Canada’s public transit, Harper and his fellows have slapped millions of commuting Canadians in the face by blocking the National Transit Strategy Bill.

Bill C-305 enjoyed broad support inside and outside Parliament with the New Democrats, Liberals, Green Party and Bloc all voting in favour of this important measure. But instead of securing federal funding and leadership for public transit, the Conservatives decided to cement the status quo. A status quo that is already costing Canada close to ten billion dollars in economic damages every year from traffic gridlock.

NDP Transport Critic Olivia Chow criticized the Conservative blocking the bill. “Any time you are stuck in traffic gridlock, or wet and freezing while waiting forever for your bus to arrive or fuming because there is just no bus service, remember to give your conservative MP a call.”

“We will continue to insist that investing in public transit is good for the economy, create jobs, enhance quality of life and reduce green house gas emissions. I thank all the supporters for getting us this far. Let’s continue to work together so Canadians can finally have fast, reliable and accessible transit.”