It's good to have everyone here today for this important announcement, because we really do have some great news to share; news that will benefit not just people here in Barrie, but all across the province.

In our spring budget we outlined our plan to invest in public transit, to create jobs, to strengthen our communities and to grow the middle class. Since that time we've completed negotiations with the province, and I'm happy to announce that with our partners we're investing nearly $3 billion in public transit right here in Ontario.

(Applause)

Today I am happy to announce that with our partners we will invest nearly $3 billion in public transit here in Ontario.

The federal contribution of $1.48 billion comes from the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and will help improve the quality of life for millions of Ontarians.  As of today, 168 projects have already been approved for funding.  For people here in Barrie this investment means a renewed and expanded bus fleet, so that you can spend less time waiting and more time doing the things you love; things like visiting family and friends, going to a Colts game or checking out the Dragon Boat Festival.  For larger cities like Toronto it means upgraded vehicles, more timely subway track repairs and vehicles and stations that are more accessible.  In communities across the province this investment will shorten commute times and make public transit more efficient and more inclusive.

And how we're doing this is important too.  We didn't sit in Ottawa, look at a map and decide who should get what.  Others have tried that approach and it just didn't work.  Instead, we did what we said we'd do since the very beginning.  We listened.  We listened to your premier and to your mayors, to your local representatives and to your community groups.

And it’s by listening and working together as partners that we were able to agree on the investments announced today, investments that are going to make a real difference in people’s lives. In addition to making our small towns and big cities safer and better places to live, this funding will also create good, well-paid jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it. Our government is proud to do its part.

So I want to, once again, thank Premier Wynn, Major... Mayor Lehman, our federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi, the Association of Municipalities Ontario, and everyone who has been involved in this process for their help in building a brighter future for Ontarians, and indeed, for all Canadians.

Thank you very much.