Bob Bratina asks for review of Liberal government’s LRT funding commitment

MP Bob Bratina is asking the Parliamentary Budget Office to review the federal government’s funding commitment to the Hamilton LRT.

He wants the office to review whether the project “fully complies” with the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and “whether the announced project cost and funding is adequate to achieve the objectives of the program.”

Bratina has advocated against the LRT and has called for other transit options to take its place.

“As the former mayor of Hamilton and MP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, I was never consulted on this project, and my repeated messages to ministers involved were ignored or dismissed,” he said in a media release.

Last month, Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna announced $1.7 billion for the transit project, with the province matching that amount.

That money will pay for planning and construction costs with the city to cover operating and maintenance costs.

Both governments have said this money is tied to the LRT project.

Bratina says welcomes the “much-needed” investment into transit in Hamilton, but the “insistence that funding be tied specifically to an LRT infringes on City Council’s responsibility to effectively prioritize solutions for the city.”

Just days after the LRT funding announcement Bratina, who represents East Stoney Creek, announced he was not seeking reelection over this decision.

READ MORE: Liberal MP Bob Bratina will not run in next federal election, considering mayoral run

“Investments in public transit strengthen communities, create good jobs, tackle climate change and make it easier for residents to get to school and work,” said a joint statement from Minister Filomena Tassi and Minister Catherine McKenna, noting the LRT is a shovel-ready project that’s been endorsed by many stakeholders.

“MP Bob Bratina’s position on this project is well known, dating back more than a decade. Of course he has been involved in numerous discussions and engagements about the project and the federal government’s role in it.”

Hamilton city councillors still have to decide whether or not to accept the $3.4 billion from the federal and provincial governments.

Metrolinx presented financial details to council earlier this month.

The 14-kilometre line would go from McMaster University through downtown to Eastgate Square.