Statement by Mohamed-Mutasim Mohamed

The COVID-19 pandemic came as an unprecedented challenge — a challenge to every aspect of our society; the way we live; the way we work; the way we connect and socialize; the way we do commerce; and, ultimately, we sustain ourselves as individuals and a Canadian society. It was a test of our resilience. And, because it is not yet over by most account, it will continue to test our resilience — particularly our economy. To say that we need infrastructure investment is to only speak about an essential — we need infrastructure investment, including in public transportation. That way I have put it might even be putting it mildly. Barry Ritholtz, a Bloomberg columnist, writing for the Bloomberg, opined that bailout might not be enough; the government needs bold investments in infrastructure. Mr Ritholtz was, of course, talking about the United States — a starkly different economic (and political) landscape. But his ideas might still hold true on this side of the border; bold investment will beat baseline stimulus. Bold investment will allow Canada to bounce back. Be bold, and we will see it through.

This pandemic has come as a test. Let us seize the opportunity to get much-needed stimulus. The LRT is a suitable stimulus opportunity. Let us not squander it.

Thank you.

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