Article content continued

It’s clear that under the Liberal plan, Canadians can expect more rapid-transit lines built in our largest cities

The Liberals also said that they will automatically transfer any uncommitted federal infrastructure funds near the end of any fiscal year to municipalities, through a temporary top-up of the Gas Tax Fund. This funding mechanism provides one of most efficient and flexible ways of transferring funding to cities.

It’s clear that under the Liberal plan, Canadians can expect more rapid-transit lines built in our largest cities, along with comprehensive investments in a wide range of infrastructure needs. It is an ambitious plan that, if implemented well, will keep many Canadians employed fixing our infrastructure deficit for years to come.

The most significant opportunity to improve quality of life in our country is through affordable housing. I was thrilled that the leaders’ debate on the economy included a question about this issue, but not as thrilled when all three leaders present seemed surprised to be asked the question.

To be fair, the Liberals did promise to develop a National Housing Strategy and set aside $20 billion over 10 years for social infrastructure like affordable and seniors housing. They are also proposing tax incentives to encourage construction and renovation of market rental housing.

[np_storybar title=”Read & Debate” link=””] Find

Full Comment on Facebook

[/np_storybar]

The Liberals are vague on how exactly these mechanisms would work. They are equally vague on how they would modernize the existing Home Buyers’ Plans, or how much of that $20 billion will be used on affordable housing, as the same fund is already committed to invest in child care spaces, cultural, recreational and other priorities. What is clear, however, is that we need new approaches and new ideas on housing across this country and Canada’s big city mayors are committed to being at the table as partners with this government.

The Liberals have shown that they have considered municipal issues and have proposed a variety of different policy solutions. There’s a lot more in our survey — from urban aboriginal issues and immigration, to poverty and economic development — and I hope all Canadians have a look at it at CitiesMatter.ca.

The next step: all citizens have to hold this government accountable for the commitments it has made and ensure that it lives up to its obligation to build a better Canada for all.

National Post

Naheed Nenshi is the mayor of Calgary.