Harper’s infrastructure plan stuck in neutral; Mulcair would put Canada in the fast lane

After ten years of Stephen Harper’s Conservatives, middle class families are working harder but can’t get ahead. Tonight’s debate shows that it’s time for change in Ottawa.

In a desperate attempt to balance the books, Stephen Harper has thrown transit and infrastructure funding under the bus. For Canada’s middle class families, that means longer commutes, more gridlock, lower productivity and greater environmental damage.

New Democrats have chosen another road instead, making strategic long-term investments that will put Canadians in the fast-lane. Investments like:

• $1.3 billion annually over 20 years for public transit,
• $1.5 billion annually by the end of our first mandate for sustainable municipal infrastructure,
• Ports, bridges and northern roads, and
• Disaster mitigation and better rail safety.

These investments are supported by those who know the urgency of infrastructure investment best. According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in a statementlast week:

"The NDP's detailed plan will grow the economy, create local jobs and improve the quality of life for Canadians in communities of all sizes,” said FCM President Raymond Louie. “It points the way forward to a new era in which cities and communities can plan ahead and deliver on local priorities."

Tom Mulcair and the NDP’s plan will kick start the economy and help middle-class families today and for the long term. It is balanced and sustainable. It’s the change Canadians are ready for.