REFUSING FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TRANSIT OPERATIONS IS A MISTAKE – TRANSIT UNION CALLS FOR N.L. GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER

REFUSING FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TRANSIT OPERATIONS IS A MISTAKE 
– TRANSIT UNION CALLS FOR N.L. GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER

TORONTO August 17, 2020—Amalgamated Transit Union Canada, President, John Di Nino is calling out the Liberal Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for refusing to accept the province’s share of federal funding for transit operations as part of the Safe Restart Agreement.  

Since the start of the pandemic, the Union has been lobbying the Federal Government for emergency funding to help transit agencies across the country recover from financial chaos and allow them to restore pre-pandemic service levels. The Federal Government came through with $1.8 billion to help transit operations – with a condition that the provinces must match the transit funds they receive – and the N.L. Provincial Government refused. 

“I am extremely disappointed with this Liberal Government for rejecting the federal funds and denying the people of Newfoundland and Labrador the reliable transportation service they expect and deserve,” said Di Nino.

This is a historic opportunity for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to utilize federal funds so that cities can enhance public transit service schedules by putting more vehicles on the road, and allowing safe distancing of passengers to be maintained.  It’s also an excellent opportunity to develop the much-needed, safe and reliable accessibility transit for those living with disabilities.   

Governments have failed to invest in transit for decades, and cities cannot afford to run or enhance public transit or accessibility transit without a federal and provincial investment – and without making cuts to other social programs and public agencies that also need funding. 

“Our poll conducted by Probe Research showed that 91% of Canadians believe it is the government’s responsibility to provide safe, reliable and affordable transit,” continued Di Nino. “Taxpaying citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador should not have to wait several hours for transportation or fear missing an appointment because public transit or para-transit services are not adequate or reliable.” 

“People have a right to know that this Liberal Government has made an irresponsible decision to let transit fail by not investing in it – a decision that will have long-term negative impacts – especially on the most vulnerable in society who rely on transit.  Students, the elderly, low-income, and new Canadians all use public transit at higher than average levels,” said Di Nino.

“We urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to reconsider its decision to refuse federal funding – and move forward with a provincial commitment to match the federal funding contribution offered to the province because public transit is a social good and every $1 invested in transit delivers $4 in economic growth. It is critical to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economic growth,” concluded Di Nino.

The Amalgamated Transit Union is made up of 34,000 transit professionals in nine Canadian provinces. They represent vehicle operators, maintenance staff, paratransit operations, clerical staff, dispatchers, administrative professionals and workers in the over-the-road motor coach industry. The union was founded in 1892 and represents workers in Canada’s urban, suburban and rural communities. 

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Media Contact:

John Di Nino
ATU Canada President
Phone: 416-938-0746

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