PM fires shot at Ford over Games
Announcement expected from province Friday
Amid a storm of questions about his conduct during the SNCLavalin affair Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced millions of dollars in increased funding for Niagara infrastructure projects and took a poke Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
During a news conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, Trudeau said the federal government is going to double the amount of revenue municipalities receive from the gas tax. He said Niagara will now receive $14 million of $819 million in new federal dollars.
“This year, we’re doubling the amount of money that municipalities get through the federal transfer in support of local infrastructure projects. What that means for people in Ontario is an extra $819 million for projects that matter to you. With this funding, communities across the province can focus on the infrastructure projects their residents need most,” he said.
Niagara Region Chair Jim Bradley said the funding will help ease the burden of paying for expensive infrastructure projects in the region. He pointed to wastewater projects in Niagara Falls and Welland as key priorities, along with sewer projects and road repairs.
Trudeau also used the occasion to take a thinly veiled poke at Ford for not moving forward with a commitment that would allow federal and provincial funding flow to Niagara to build facilities for the 2021 Canada Summer Games.
While Ottawa has signalled it is ready to go, the provincial government has not done the same. However, Ford said last week an announcement will be coming soon.
Nevertheless, Trudeau accused Ford of “playing games” with the funding needed for the Games, putting the entire event “in jeopardy.”
After the news conference, an official from Ford’s office told The Standard an announcement regarding the Summer Games is expected Friday.
Bradley said in order for facilities to be built, shovels have to be in the ground this fall. If a commitment from Queen’s Park is not made by then, it may be too late.
“What the (Summer Games) committee is looking for is a firm commitment,” said Bradley. “Not necessarily the money to flow right away, but a firm commitment that the province is on board.”