Mayor Crombie joined by Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi and Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey.
For Immediate Release | Check Against Delivery
November 1st, 2017
Infrastructure is Fundamental to City-Building and Nation-Building: Mayor Crombie
The following are remarks delivered by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie during a panel discussion on infrastructure policy hosted by The Pearson Centre. Mayor Crombie was joined by Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi and Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey:
“Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the City of Mississauga.
“We are Ontario’s third largest city, Canada’s sixth-largest city.
“My thanks to the team from The Pearson Centre for organizing this panel discussion.
“I want to recognize my friend and city-building partner, Minister Sohi.
“In September I again joined Minister Sohi and Minister Chiarelli in our nation’s capital to take part in another Federal-Provincial-Territorial meeting of infrastructure ministers.
“Historically, these meetings have never featured municipalities.
“Cities are now being asked to take part.
“These discussions focused on Phase II of the Federal Infrastructure Fund.
“Mississauga stands to receive up to $370 million over 10 years, depending on how the funding program is rolled out.
“This unprecedented investment will help us lay the foundation to build up our next fifty years.
“Canada’s municipalities have a trusted partner in the Trudeau government.
“We also have a seat at the table.
“Minister Chiarelli was unable to join us.
“Mississauga is working closely with our partners at Metrolinx and the Wynne government to build the $1.4 billion Hurontario Light Rail Transit plan – the largest infrastructure investment in Mississauga history.
“Transformational infrastructure investments of this magnitude are game changers for cities.
“I also want to recognize my neighbour and Regional Council colleague, Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey.
“Together, we work closely with organizations like the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus (LUMCO); which Mayor Jeffrey chairs; to advocate for funding for municipalities.
“Mississauga understands the importance of strong, reliable and modern infrastructure.
“Infrastructure is fundamental to city-building and nation-building.
“For instance, Mississauga’s annual infrastructure deficit is now $240 million, despite a 2% infrastructure levy.
“It’s important that we are able to build the projects already on our asset management plans before building new, unplanned, unfunded infrastructure.
“Infrastructure policy is also economic development policy.
“Mississauga is home to 7 major highways, 3 major railway lines and Canada’s largest airport.
“These local gateways connect businesses to consumers from around the world and safeguard our economy.
“I will bring my comments to a close.
“We all look forward to today’s discussion.”
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