Mr. Chair, this is a motion that actually was put together with some of the urban transit authorities in different parts of the country.
It's asking this committee to look at urban transit needs in Canada and also to examine “the possibility of creating a National Public Transit Plan or Act”. I believe this has been discussed in another forum; I believe CUTA has been pushing for something of this nature.
Also, it asks that the committee look at the possibility of providing “long-term dedicated funds for public transit”. This has been done in the past by a former Liberal government; the gas tax, for example, has been used for public transit. The way it's done is not per capita but by ridership in terms of funding allocation.
There is a recent task force report from the urban transportation task force. This report was made public at the end of last year, and it has a lot of recommendations that I believe the committee would find interesting.
Lastly, CUTA has infrastructure needs, and there should be some discussion on this matter.
I'm putting this in front of you to discuss as committee business.