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March 16, 2018
VANCOUVER—The cooperation of three levels of government to fund Phase Two of the Metro Vancouver Mayors’ Council plan will create good jobs and build a world class transportation system for a rapidly growing region, says Unifor.
“Working people in Metro Vancouver can look forward to faster commutes and a more liveable region,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “I’m proud of the role that Unifor members played in moving this from planning into reality.”
The federal, provincial, and regional governments will contribute a total of $7 billion to upgrade the transit and transportation infrastructure throughout Metro Vancouver. Unifor says a key moment in reaching today’s announcement was Premier John Horgan’s commitment to increase the B.C. government’s share from 33% to 40% of the total funding.
“Premier Horgan should be commended for navigating this complicated funding arrangement through to its conclusion,” said Steve Sutherland, president of Unifor Local 111, the union representing transit operators in the Lower Mainland. “The Premier and our mayors are leading the way on Canadian urban transit infrastructure.”
Unifor has played a major role in recent years to build support for the mayors’ plan and push all levels of government to make the necessary funding commitments. It is a co-founder of the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition.
“Investing in transit infrastructure will pay dividends for generations,” said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Metro Vancouver will benefit from both efficient transit options and green jobs that build communities.”
Phase two involves construction of the Surrey-Newton-Guildford light rapid transit line and later the east-west extension of the Millennium Line along Broadway Avenue. The second phase also includes station upgrades, bus service expansion, and better HandyDART service.
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
