Conservative government inaction the reason for proposed local taxation, Alghabra says

MISSISSAUGA - The Conservative government needs to set aside its ideological bias and heed the call of the City of Mississauga, and other cities, said Omar Alghabra, Liberal MP for Mississauga-Erindale.

Mississauga City Council is considering imposing a new tax on city residents starting in 2008. This tax is in response to the mounting infrastructure needs of the city and to compensate for the lack of interest and action of the current Conservative government in terms of investing in those needs. The City of Mississauga is projecting a huge infrastructure deficit and, along with other cities and the Liberal Party, has been calling for the Conservatives to outline and implement a national infrastructure strategy.

"The Conservatives, led by Stephen Harper, appear to be neglecting the needs of major cities no matter how compelling and pressing those needs are," said Omar Alghabra. "Cities are the economic engines of our country and without addressing those needs, much of the economic and social advantages that our cities have would be undermined".

Mr. Alghabra has written several times to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities urging the Conservative government to address those needs. Recently, in his response to the Speech from the Throne, Mr. Alghabra highlighted that failure and demanded those needs be addressed immediately.

"It is bizarre how Stephen Harper continues to ignore those urgent needs", said Omar Alghabra. "You would think that not only would he try to do the right thing, but that he would provide his Conservative candidates in Mississauga with policies that would help them gain support".

The previous Liberal government, under similar minority government conditions, was able to sign deals with the cities and provinces about infrastructure, childcare and health care while the Conservatives appear unwilling and unable to demonstrate any leadership. The Liberal Party and the Mississauga Caucus of the Liberal Party have repeatedly called on the government to address the urgent needs faced by our cities and communities.

"It is difficult to blame the City for examining its other options as they have been let down by the federal government," said Omar Alghabra. "Never has the federal government done so little with so much".