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Election dollars-and-sense about infrastructure
GREGG CHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca
water, sewer and other projects. She also wants more money for energy e#ciency upgrades for municipal buildings, increased support for recy- cling and water conservation, and for recreational facilities like community centres, sports $elds, and public parks. “I believe that high-speed internet connec- tions are a critical aspect of infrastructure as
nicipalities,” said Drouin. “!at is why we are doubling the infrastructure investment to $125 billion over 10 years. Balancing a budget when you have a leaky roof and leaky pipes will only cost you more in the long run. We will balance the budget by 2019 but we won’t do it on the back of crumbling infrastructure.” Drouin also noted that proposed expansion of the Highway 174/17 connector route between Ottawa and Rockland will need funding to meet the growing commuter tra#c needs between both communities. “!e Harper Conservatives are investing $60 billion (infrastructure funding) over 10 years,” Drouin said. “A Liberal government will invest $125 billion over 10 years. With more funds, I believe that my success rate of securing funding is higher. Our plan will also create quality jobs by investing in our local infrastructure, includ- ing water and wastewater facilities, a"ordable housing, seniors’ facilities, early learning and child care, and cultural or recreational facilities.” “Crisis levels” according to Greens Green Party candidate Geneviève Malouin- Diraddo described the $nancial situation for municipalities dealing with local infrastructure needs as reaching crisis levels. “Increased funding for municipalities is des- perately needed to ensure that our aging infra- structure is maintained and upgraded as mu- nicipalities grow,” she said. “!e current federal funding for municipalities is around eight per cent of the federal tax revenue, which is dispro- portionate. !e majority of services that we as individuals use on a daily basis come from the municipal level such as roads, bridges, water, and sewage.” She noted that a Green Party government would also allocate a percentage of the HST to- wards municipal infrastructure support, pro- viding a stable source of funding for local road,
well and I will work towards better accessibility to broadband internet,” Malouin-Diraddo said. “Road and rail safety are also a part of infra- structure. It is crucial that the goods that move though municipalities do not pose a risk to its inhabitants.” !e NDP candidate for the GPR seat did not respond by the deadline set for responses.
Every municipality faces the problem of bud- geting for new infrastructure and also !nding the money to keep aging roads and bridges in serviceable shape. With the election calendar getting shorter along with the days of autumn, we asked all four candidates how they will lobby the federal government for investment inGlen- garry-Prescott-Russell’s infrastructure. «I will continue to build onmy excellent track record of improving roads, bridges, arenas, com- munity centres, etc., all throughout the riding,” said Pierre Lemieux, incumbent ConservativeMP. “Since 2006, I have personally announced more than $136 million in federal funding to improve infrastructure in our rural communities. !is is an unprecedented amount of funding that has helped improve the lives of the people of our riding. As Conservatives, we have launched the largest and highest funded infrastructure ever in the history of Canada, and with a balanced budget. “I will continue to work closely and e"ec- tively with our local mayors, councillors and MPP to build upon our successes. I also commit to ensuring that our municipalities continue to receive more than $2.5 million every year from our federal government to help them with the priorities of their people, particularly the repair and upgrade of roads.” Liberals to double infrastructure investment Liberal candidate Francis Drouin noted that Canada has gone through two global recessions during the time that the Harper Conservative government has been in o#ce and that both the Conservative and NDP parties call for “status quo investments” in their infrastructure policies. “We need to invest now to create jobs and build the needed infrastructure for our mu-
Champlain supports Reality Tour The Champlain Town Council agreed to support a project to bring the Reality Tour to Vankleek Hill. The program is designed to help youth that might be at risk of drug or alcohol addiction. Caroll Carkner, the event organizer, has been working diligently to obtain funding for the drug prevention program to local youth. The township will donate a sum of $500 to go toward the project. “This is one of the best programs I have seen,” said council member Paul Emile Duval. “Russell has done the program. It’s the only one in Canada so far. It’s all about drugs, drinking, alcoholism, and the consequences that come with it.” The next organizing meeting for the Reality Tour is Sunday, September 13 at 7 p.m., at the Anglican Church next to Higginson Tower. Carkner is still looking for volunteers and donations. – Diane Hunter
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