Government of Canada launches consultations on establishing permanent public transit funding

The launch of public consultations on the design and implementation of permanent public transit funding in Canada was announced by the Honorable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. 

Feedback will inform a long-term transit investment strategy that aims to build complete, sustainable and inclusive communities and unlock opportunities to address other challenges, including affordable housing. 

Investments in public transit will work toward reducing commute times and improving Canadians’ quality of life, aid in providing access to meaningful employment, services and recreation and will help tackle traffic congestion and cut air pollution. 

In February 2021, the government of Canada announced an investment of C$14.9 billion (US$11.58 billion) over eight years in reliable, fast, affordable and clean public transit. This funding included C$3 billion (US$2.3 billion) per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding, which will begin in 2026-27. 

By engaging and consulting with the public, the government of Canada aims to ensure that permanent public transit funding delivers the greatest benefit to Canadians. Feedback gathered during the consultations will inform the government’s approach to upgrading and expanding public transit and active transportation networks in rural, urban and Indigenous communities across Canada. It will also build on existing research studies on transit. 

Interested stakeholders can share their feedback through Infrastructure Canada’s web page until Sept. 30, 2022. 

In the coming months, the government of Canada will host a variety of engagement activities, including stakeholder meetings and roundtables. 

“In communities of all sizes across the country, Canadians rely on public transit to get where they need to be,” Minister LeBlanc said. “Our objective through these consultations is to ensure this new permanent transit funding delivers to our communities the greatest economic and environmental benefits. Canadians have an opportunity to help shape the future of public transit in our country – and I look forward to hearing their views.” 

Quick facts 

• All Canadians are invited to submit their views. 
• The consultations are guided by themes, including complete and livable communities, social inclusion, a clean and healthy environment and economic benefits. 
• Since 2015, Infrastructure Canada has invested in 1,468 public transit projects across Canada totaling more than C$13 billion (US$10.1 billion).