What they are saying: Liberals have strongest plan to create jobs and grow economy

September 17, 2015

OTTAWA – Liberals have a real, strong plan to create jobs with the most significant infrastructure investment in Canadian history – almost $60 billion in new funding over the next ten years. Here’s what the experts are saying:

 “[L]ong-lived investment is actually a wonderful thing to be doing. It’s exactly the right thing to be doing.” – David Dodge, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and former Deputy Minister of Finance (CBC Radio One, The House, August 29, 2015)

 “Canada is way below what it should be spending on infrastructure. We need to invest for future economic growth.” – Kevin Page, former Parliamentary Budget Officer (CBC Power and Politics, August 20, 2015)

 “The theories of austerity have been totally discredited…There isn’t any body of economic research that supports the Harper [government’s] view.” – Joseph Stiglitz, Economist (Maclean’s, September 1, 2015)        

 “Infrastructure is the backbone of the economy and a key determinant of Canada’s ability to attract business investment.” –Hon. John Manley (President and CEO, Canadian Council of Chief Executives, January 17, 2014)

 “[A] significant and meaningful commitment to meet the urgent need for major infrastructure investment in cities and communities across Canada.” – Mayor Gregor Robertson (Office of the Mayor of Vancouver, August 27, 2015)

 “I welcome Liberal leader Justin Trudeau’s pledge to double federal infrastructure spending over the next ten years. This long term, stable funding, like what we’ve seen with the gas tax, is critical as we focus on building transit, cutting congestion and making badly needed repairs to affordable housing.” – Mayor John Tory (Office of the Mayor of Toronto, August 27, 2015)

 “A rallying cry for those hoping for a more assertive role for government in doing the things we can only accomplish together.” “Trudeau deserves credit for challenging the orthodoxy.” (Toronto Star Editorial, August 28, 2015)

 “Mr. Trudeau’s infrastructure program specifically addresses a number of important priorities for the renewal and rebuild of the electricity system…so we welcome this announcement. It should form part of a national discourse that is desperately needed.” – Sergio Marchi, CEO, Canadian Electricity Association (Canadian Electricity Association, August 28, 2015)

“[This] announcement by the Liberal Party of Canada has the potential to meaningfully improve the quality of life of Canadians in cities and communities across the country.” – Raymond Louie, President of the Canadian Federation of Municipalities (Federation of Canadian Municipalities, August 27, 2015)