NDP leader Jack Layton is pledging immediate support for cities to the tune of $1.13 billion to help build green infrastructure, upgrade water treatment plants, provide affordable housing and improve community safety.

He unveiled the cost details of his plan for cities during a breakfast event early Monday in Quebec City, where he attacked Stephen Harper for "washing his hands" of municipal problems.

"He preferred to give millions of dollars in tax cuts to big businesses," he said. "Cities drive innovation, they attract investment and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Canada's future rests with strong and durable cities. . . . That's why I've elaborated on a plan to help municipalities across Canada."

If elected prime minister, Layton promised to enact the NDP's National Transit Strategy Bill which would provide $500 million a year — the equivalent of one additional cent of the gas tax — for stable funding for urban transit.

He would also enact the party's Green Commuter Bill which would reward employers who give benefits to employees who use transit, carpool or cycle to work.

He promised to invest $2.6 billion over four years in affordable housing and to develop a national housing strategy.

Layton would also invest $1 billion a year over four years for renewable energy projects and double the Police Officers Recruitment Fund aimed at helping cities with the cost of policing. He further pledged to create 100,000 new daycare spaces over the next four years.

Layton's visit to Quebec City on Monday comes as his popularity in the province is surging. A recent Ipsos Reid survey suggested support for the NDP leader stands at 38 per cent — 30 points ahead of the Liberals and 27 points ahead of both the Bloc Quebecois and the Tories.

The New Democrats held only one seat in Quebec — the Montreal riding of Outremont, held by Thomas Mulcair — when Parliament was shut down for the May 2 election.

tcohen@postmedia.com

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