Wednesday's federal budget provided over $2 billion for Greater Vancouver transportation projects, but no money for the bridge poised to replace the George Massey Tunnel.
Delta MP Carla Qualtrough told the Optimist yesterday that although the $3.5-billion bridge is not in the government's infrastructure plans, the project due to begin construction this year could still receive federal help.
"From my understanding, the province is working with Infrastructure Canada and Innovation to perhaps avail itself of our new infrastructure bank, so that's where, if anything, the federal government would assist on this project," said Qualtrough. "I think this is a project that is perfectly suited for some infrastructure bank funding."
The $2.2 billion announced Wednesday will go toward a Broadway subway, light rail for Surrey and replacement of the Pattullo Bridge, all projects that are part of a 10-year Greater Vancouver transportation plan supported by the TransLink Mayors' Council. The bridge to replace the tunnel is a provincial government project that's opposed by the mayors' council.
One area Qualtrough does see some direct benefits for Delta is funding for the agriculture and agrifood industries in an effort to grow Canada's exports to $75 billion annually.
"This funding is to expand Canada's export gateways and grow our agrifood economy," she said. "Time and time again I have heard from our Delta farmers how our produce is finding their way to Asia and I think this is exactly the kind of thing this money will be targeted at doing. With having the largest port in the country, we are poised to get our agrifood to places like Asia and India in quick and efficient ways, so we could benefit from that and it's my job to ensure that we do."
Another area Qualtrough sees potential benefits is funding for small craft harbours.
"I'm looking into whether we can tap into that for our secondary dredging needs in Delta. I spoke with the fisheries minister yesterday and he encouraged me to make that request, so I'm confident we can tap into that," she added.
Overall, Qualtrough said the budget represents good news for Canadians. "Since we came into office the unemployment rate has gone down from 7.1 per cent to 6.6 per cent. More than 250,000 jobs have been created in Canada over the past six months, which is the best six months we've had in 10 years in Canada in terms of job creation. To me that indicates that we are heading down the right path in terms of how we are investing smartly in Canada," she said.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled the budget entitled Building a Strong Middle Class, pledging to continue to invest in middle class Canadians, transforming neighbourhoods and communities, and giving every Canadian a real and fair chance at success.
There will be increases in childcare, housing, skills and innovation, and defence spending in a budget that has a projected $28.5 billion deficit. Consumers will pay higher taxes on beer and wine, while Canada Savings Bonds and transit tax credits will be phased out.
