Sets Stage For Bilateral Federal-Municipal Discussions On Federal Gas Tax
For Immediate Release
February 2, 2005
TORONTO — Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen today welcomed the federal government’s commitment to sharing gas tax revenues with municipalities, and announced the Ontario government is paving the way for municipalities and the federal government to work together directly to decide the best way to share federal gas tax revenues.
With this decision to allow bilateral federal-municipal discussions, the province is taking an important step toward giving municipalities a “seat at the table.”
“We’ve listened to what Ontario’s communities have told us,” said Gerretsen. “They have stressed the need for investment in infrastructure — in public transit, roads and bridges, clean water, waste management and sewer systems — and for a voice in how those investments are made.
“By taking this historic approach on the federal gas tax revenue, Ontario is saying that municipalities are accountable, mature orders of government that can ably represent their needs for the benefit of their residents.”
Ontario will continue working together with municipalities to engage the federal government on a variety of issues like immigration, affordable housing and child care to continue to serve the people of Ontario.
“With today’s announcement, we’re giving Ontario’s communities more of the tools they need to grow stronger and more prosperous,” the minister added. “Building stronger cities and communities means a better quality of life for all Ontarians.”
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Contacts:
Patti Munce
Minister’s Office
(416) 585-6333
Andrew Posluns
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
(416) 585-6177
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
