Windsor West MP Brian Masse is turning up the heat on the federal government to stay true to its word it will fund 40 per cent of the cost of a list of flood mitigation projects in Windsor.
In an attack on the floor of the House of Commons on Wednesday, Masse accused the federal government of "squeezing" Windsor as it grapples with ballooning costs for infrastructure projects, some of which are already underway.
"For all the Liberal's bluster on fighting climate change, you'd think they would show some shame here," he asserted. "Windsor residents need action on the climate emergency, not patronizing lip service. When will this government stop backtracking and live up to its word for a change?"
Ward 6 City Councillor JoAnne Gignac provides an update on sewer projects on July 7, 2022. (screenshot from City of Windsor Facebook live)
Windsor city councillors recently found out the projects, which cost $89.8-million in 2018, will now cost $176.3-million.
A report to councillors on Monday said, "the City has begun to see the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and how severely it has affected the global economy. From disruptions to supply chains in the manufacturing sector and the labour marketing tightening to the rise in inflation, the impacts are being felt across the country in all sectors, particularly the construction industry."
So far, the federal government has been silent about whether it will honour its pledge under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
Some of the projects are now on hold, and Ward 6 Councillor Joanne Gignac expressed dismay, fearing there will be a domino effect. Ward 6 was hit especially hard by flooding in 2016 and 2017, and many of those projects are in her ward.
MP Jennifer O'Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Intergovernmental Affairs Minister. (Screenshot from YouTube video)
However, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Intergovernmental Affairs Minister, MP Jennifer O'Connell, offered no commitments on Wednesday, saying little more than her government has already made record investments in Windsor and the surrounding area.
"Our commitment to investing in infrastructure is solidified by the fact that we are investing in green and climate-resilient infrastructure," she said. "It's not just about creating good jobs, but it's creating resilient communities."
Infrastructure Canada has given Windsor more time to complete the projects. The deadline was 2028, and it's now 2032.
