By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

PM: Cities and towns to share in $2.2 billion from gas tax fund

Jun 1, 2020 | 9:52 AM

Acknowledging a difficult spring for many and that path forward will not be easy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today told the country things will get better.

“Over the past month, we’ve started to see promising signs that the curve is flattening in Canada,” he said. “The situation remains very serious but the more we can control the spread of the virus the more we can begin restarting.”

Co-operation is needed on a variety of levels, said Trudeau, and that includes helping municipalities. The prime minister announced the federal government will make $2.2 billion available to municipalities in the coming weeks. The money will come from the Gas Tax Fund and will be paid in one payment for the 2020-21 year, instead of the regular two payments.

“From testing clinics to programs for seniors, cities and towns provide essential services. So it’s crucial that they have the resources they need,” said Trudeau. “This is strong support to keep Canadians safe and our communities strong.”

If paid on a per capita basis, Medicine Hat could stand to receive about $3-$3.5 million. Alberta is in line for about $244 million.

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The fund allows municipalities to decide which projects and activities to fund, based on their own priorities, within general program guidelines.

Trudeau also said the provinces need to step up and those discussions are ongoing.

Speaking from outside Rideau Cottage, the prime minister said this is an initial measure of support and that more will need to be done.

In reference to the weekend protests and riots happening in the United States sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Trudeau told Canadians today the status quo, where people face racism simply because of the colour of their skin is unacceptable.

“It is time, it is past time for this to change. As leaders and allies, we must do the hard work needed to listen and learn we must ensure that everyone is safe and respected,” he said.

He said Canadians can’t pretend that racism doesn’t exist in this country.

“Anti-black racism is real, unconscious bias is real and systemic discrimination is real and they happen here in Canada,” he said. “To young, black Canadians, I hear you when you say you are anxious and angry. I am listening and your government will always stand with you.”

The prime minister adds that that includes journalists “who work on the front line to expose the truth and tell the stores we need to hear.”

As of Monday morning, Canada had 91,340 confirmed cases, 11 probable cases and 7,305 deaths. There have been 1,691,373 Canadians tested.

In Alberta, there are 7,010 cases and 143 deaths. A total of 235,415 Albertans have been tested.