Statement by Susan Lau

With respect to Hamilton's city councillors, it is absolutely imperative that you do you not waver on your support for the province's $1 billion dollar gift to Hamilton.

Waterloo region is already well into construction for light rail. They've paid $253 million out of their own budget, with the federal and provincial governments contributing $565 million. (source: http://rapidtransit.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/projectinformation/frequentlyaskedquestions.asp#g)

The city of Ottawa received $1 billion from the federal government for LRT, which only covered ONE THIRD of the project's total costs, and had to petition the government a second time to receive additional funding to complete phase 2 of their project.

Hamilton is being given a once-in-a-lifetime gift to jump-start the next wave of development. It is incredible that the city should receive such a massive fund while other others must apply and petition levels of government to receive significantly less.

Any other municipality in the province would not think twice about accepting this offer. A failure on our part would forever cement Hamilton's stereotype across Canada as the city that achieved nothing and died with the steel industry.

Citizens living here know that Hamilton is vibrant, growing, and improving every year. Graduates of Mohawk and McMaster are choosing, more and more, to stay here to pursue their careers.

Many cities in southern Ontario are taking serious initiative on transit and development, attracting investment and business from all over. Ultimately, Hamilton's most talented could be drawn away to places where desirable jobs, affordable housing, and multiple transport options are readily available.

It is not a matter of urban versus suburban or mountain versus downtown. The actions and words of our respected councillors are seen across the country. They are a reflection upon the people who live, work, and learn in this city that so many of us love to call home.

I sincerely hope that you will not turn away an opportunity that will benefit the city for generations to come. Let Hamilton remember this city council as the ones who made it happen.

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