Fund green transport, not highways with stimulus cash, caucus urges

Municipal politicians say federal and provincial stimulus money should be spent on transportation projects that reduce pollution, not highway and airport expansions.

More than 250 local government leaders, who are members of a national network called the Climate Caucus, have penned an open letter calling for economic-recovery cash — and other infrastructure funding — to be used to improve transit service and create opportunities for walking and cycling.

The letter is endorsed by a long list of organizations, including Abundant Transit B.C., the Council of Canadians, David Suzuki Foundation, Sierra Club B.C., Wilderness Committee and Transport Action Canada.

“We have this great opportunity right now to build back better and more resilient,” said Nelson Coun. Rik Logtenberg, who founded the Climate Caucus.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna has said she is looking to spend billions of federal dollars on “shovel-ready” projects that could create new jobs and stimulate the economy in the wake of the pandemic. B.C.’s finance minister has said infrastructure will be part of the province’s recovery plan, but the focus will be on directly supporting workers.

The Climate Caucus wants to make sure the money supports federal, provincial and local climate goals, and is asking for the federal and provincial governments to keep their commitment in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.