As we enter the post-recession period and the federal government begins dealing with the deficit, it would be wrong to repeat the mistakes of the nineties, when federal and provincial governments pushed deficits off the balance sheets and onto the streets of cities and communities. The damage done to Canada's cities is still evident, with rusting bridges, crumbling roads, crowded buses, and aging recreational facilities.
Meanwhile, rural Canada is grappling with its growing economic challenges. Farming, forestry, fishing, and natural resources together account for over 50% of our national exports, but rural communities are missing out on the prosperity they do so much to create. They need a stronger voice at the federal cabinet table.
Our submission provides five specific recommendations to guide the next federal budget and to work with municipalities to fight climate change, provide affordable housing, support local police, and build a sustainable vision for rural Canada. Index the federal gas tax fund against inflation; maintain core program spending to help eliminate the municipal infrastructure deficit; avoid off-loading and arrange cost-sharing for water systems; upgrade federal policing; develop a long-term objective, including a national transit strategy, and coordinate a plan for affordable housing; work with other orders of government on areas of neutral concern, such as the environment and the north; and appoint a champion on rural issues.
All of these recommendations begin and end with a commitment to move the country forward and protect our cities and communities from spending cuts and off-loading. By working in partnership, all orders of government can achieve lasting results that include safe, healthy, and economically viable cities and communities.
We thank you for your time.
Again, as I mentioned, FCM is a very large organization, representing 90% of the Canadian population, with close to 2,000 members from across the country.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.