Support a National Transit Strategy - a message from Olivia Chow, MP
Canadians across our country are tired of being stuck in traffic, waiting for overcrowded buses or not having access to public transit at all. This is why I am asking for your support for a National Transit Strategy.
In order to improve public transportation across Canada, we need long-term federal support and the cooperation of all levels of government. This is why I am championing Bill C-305 to put predictable and dedicated federal transit funding in place through a National Transit Strategy.
This way we can ensure that Canadians finally get the fast, reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation they deserve and make our communities more vibrant and liveable.
I encourage you to visit the campaign website www.nationaltransitstrategy.ca, which offers a wealth of information, including an overview of all cities and organizations that have endorsed Bill C-305.
I ask you to assist in the final push ahead of the September 19th, 2012 vote by writing to your local Member of Parliament urging them to vote for Bill C-305 while copying Transport Minister Denis Lebel. Please feel free to use the attached draft letter for that purpose.
To look up your MP and his/her contact information, please visit http://www.parl.gc.ca and simply enter your postal code.
Finally I encourage you to write back and share your thoughts on the National Transit Strategy. I look forward to working together with you and appreciate your support in this campaign to strengthen Canada’s public transportation systems.
Let’s get Canada moving with the National Transit Strategy!
Sincerely,
Olivia Chow, MP
Trinity–Spadina
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(Date)
(Name of your Member of Parliament)
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Dear (name of your Member of Parliament),
I am writing to you with regards to MP Olivia Chow’s private member’s Bill C-305 calling for the Federal Government to create a National Transit Strategy. At a time when many of our public services are on the chopping block, we need our national government to invest in the future of our cities through the National Public Transit Strategy Act.
Our cities and towns need accessible and reliable quality public transit to provide citizens access to employment and services. Public transit is fair to the environment, and improves the liveability and economic viability of my city. I am concerned that Canada remains the only G8 country without a national strategy, and that our cities rank low on the Board of Trade’s annual Scorecard on Prosperity on all transportation issues.
A national transit strategy will help to make transit both accessible and affordable – strengthening our economy and providing the federal support necessary to coordinate the growth and maintenance of our existing transit system. These needs are too important to our national well-being to continue to be managed in the current piecemeal manner.
I urge you to support the National Public Transit Strategy Act on September 19, 2012. This way, we can finally get reliable long-term funding for public transit. The strategy must include all levels of government and must come with accountability measures. Please give Canadians access to affordable quality transit now and in the years to come through the passing of Bill C-305.
Yours truly,
(Your name)
