Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tells CTV News that cities and provinces will decide how best to spend billions of dollars in infrastructure funding, as he seeks to avoid “political interference.”
Trudeau told CTV News Chief Anchor Lisa LaFlamme the federal government intends to be a “partner” with the other levels of government, rather than “picking” the projects.
“I don't think it's up to Ottawa to determine what riding a road should go in or what (transit) line is better for their constituents or not,” the prime minister said.
“We've seen political interference come far too easily with the money that Ottawa's putting forward,” he added.
Pressed on how he intends to make sure the funding goes into the right hands, Trudeau said, “all we're going to ask is that (other levels of government) show us this is going to be good for your community, good for the long-term growth of your economy and not just good to cut a ribbon for your re-election.”
The Liberals have promised to spend an extra $6 billion a year on infrastructure, for a total of $125 billion over 10 years.
In a recent interview, Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi told The Canadian Press that only projects with all relevant studies, public consultation and planning completed will be offered federal funding.
Sohi accused the previous Conservative government of announcing projects that other levels of government were not prepared to undertake, just to win votes.
