NDP Leadership Candidate Paul Dewar Announces Urban Strategy In Toronto

TORONTO - Speaking to a packed town hall meeting in downtown Toronto, NDP leadership candidate Paul Dewar today outlined his plan to work with Canada's cities in building a stronger, more caring country.

"For too long, the federal government has turned its back on the challenges facing our cities," said Dewar. "It's time for a new approach that responds to the needs of Canadians living in urban centres. More than ever, we need all levels of government working together to solve the complex challenges facing our cities".

He pointed out that 80% of Canadians live and receive their services in urban centres, yet these urban centres have been under pressure from decades of downloading and neglect of basic infrastructure.

Dewar committed to ensuring a seat at the table for municipalities in federal-provincial/territorial negotiations dealing with their interests. He also committed to guaranteeing an additional cent of the existing gas tax to provide municipalities with stable, long-term infrastructure funding.

Dewar pointed to the scores of workers who make up the fabric of our urban centres - artists, authors, musicians - and pledged support for these urban workers by ensuring that federal programs are responsive to the precarious realities of self-employment, free-lance and contract work.

"Under Harper, cities face piecemeal funding for infrastructure and zero long-term commitment for key services like operating public transit, affordable housing and childcare," he said. "Canadians rightly expect better leadership from their federal government."

Municipalities collect just eight cents of every tax dollar paid in Canada, but due to successive bouts of downloading, they are responsible for building the country’s core infrastructure. And municipalities are increasingly responsible for social services, immigrant settlement and law enforcement.

"Canadians need to know that they can count on their federal government to work hand in hand with cities. As NDP leader, I will bring all jurisdictions together to build a stronger, more caring Canada," Dewar concluded.