A new Conservative government will prioritize critical infrastructure projects that shorten commute times like the George Massey Tunnel replacement in the Greater Vancouver Area, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer announced today.

“Canadians are sick and tired of being stuck in traffic and waiting for delayed public transit,” said Scheer. “Canada’s Conservatives will get on with real projects that reduce congestion and deliver faster commute times for everyone, whether you drive or catch public transit.”

Examples of the type of projects that would be prioritized for funding include:

• The George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project (British Columbia)
• The Ontario Line and the Yonge Subway Extension (Ontario)
• The third link between Quebec City and Levis (Québec)

Scheer pointed out how, despite making a $187-billion infrastructure spending commitment in the 2015 election, Justin Trudeau has failed to deliver important projects for Canadian commuters.

“He’s made billions in promises but hasn’t delivered. When it comes to getting shovels in the ground and getting projects built, Justin Trudeau is not as advertised,” Scheer said.

A new Conservative government will also restore transparency to infrastructure spending by scrapping Justin Trudeau’s $35-billion Infrastructure Bank which has been nothing but a waste of taxpayer dollars, adding countless layers of red tape, delaying desperately needed transportation infrastructure, and doing nothing to decrease commute times.

Scheer added, “As Prime Minister, I will ensure that all infrastructure projects that have already been committed to will move forward. Going forward, a new Conservative government will have a strategy in place to prioritize future transportation projects on whether they lower commute times and also provide more housing options for Canadians.”

FACTS:

• Statistics Canada found that 1.5 million Canadians spent at least an hour commuting to work in 2016.
• According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), for every dollar Justin Trudeau promised for infrastructure, he only spent 60 cents: “the Government failed to spend about 40 per cent of its planned infrastructure budget.”
• Analysis showed that for all his spending, there are no substantial results to show for it.
• In its analysis of Budget 2018, the PBO reported: “Budget 2018 provides an incomplete account of the changes to the Government’s $186.7 billion infrastructure spending plan. PBO requested the new plan but it does not exist.”
• If given four more years, Justin Trudeau’s debt and never-ending deficits will delay badly needed infrastructure, threatening the future of important projects like the George Massey Tunnel replacement.

ANDREW SCHEER’S PLAN FOR YOU TO GET AHEAD:

• Scrap the Trudeau Carbon Tax, lowering the cost of everyday essentials like gas, groceries, and home heating.
• Introduce the Universal Tax Cut, saving an average couple $850.
• Take the GST off home heating costs, saving your family $107 every year.
• Introduce the Green Public Transit Tax Credit, saving a family of four who take transit up to $1,000.
• Make maternity benefits tax-free, putting up to $4,000 back in the pockets of new parents.
• Introduce the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, allowing parents to claim up to $1,000 for sports activities.
• Introduce the Children’s Arts and Learning Tax Credit, letting parents claim up to $500 for arts and learning programs.
• Expand the Age Credit, benefiting the lowest income Canadians the most and giving a senior couple up to $300.
• Boost government-matching to RESP’s by 50 per cent, helping parents get more for their kids’ education.
• Introduce the Green Home Renovation Tax Credit, putting up to $3,800 back in the pockets of Canadians for green home improvements.

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