BEA Board members David and Dayle Laing, along with BEA member Cindy Evans visited MP Sonia Sidhu at her Parliamentary Office on Wednesday June 19th. Topics discussed included the status of the Active Transportation Fund, the New Horizons for Seniors grant program and general concerns about current government policy regarding the environment.
Active Transportation Fund
Beginning in 2026-2027, the Government of Canada is investing in permanent public transit programming under the Canada Public Transit Fund to support transit in communities of all sizes across Canada. This includes targeted funding for specific types of public transit and active transportation projects ranging from capital to planning.
Established in 2021, the Active Transportation Fund earmarked $400M to be spent over 5 years to support the expansion and enhancement of active transportation infrastructure, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable. According to Velo Canada Bikes, a national cycling advocacy organization, very little of that money has been spent since program inception.. In 2023, Brampton submitted 2 “shovel ready projects” to the fund. This included infrastructure repairs to pedestrian bridges throughout the city and the construction of multi-use paths along Westcreek, Advance, and Alfred Khune Blvds. Most of the work on both projects has been completed but funds could now be allocated to other active transportation projects including infrastructure on Howden and Charolais where bike lanes either have or a destined to be removed. MP Sidhu asked for more details and committed to help Brampton secure federal funds for active tranportation projects in her riding of Brampton South.
New Horizons for Seniors grant
The New Horizons for Seniors is a federal grant program to support projects that are designed by seniors and for seniors in their communities. The program is designed to engage seniors in volunteer activities, mentor others, create community and support new and existing community projects aimed at seniors. The BEA is working on a grant submission for 2027 that will provide edcuational opportunities for seniors in climate adaptation, and healthy aging. More details will be provided in the coming months. MP Sidhu committed to providing a letter of support for the BEA proposed project.
Government of Canada Environmental Policy
Finally, the visit with MP Sidhu was an opportunity for the BEA to express concern about the Federal government’s position on increasing fossil fuel production and streamlining big projects at the expense of environmental controls. MP Sidhu listened to our concerns and reiterated the government’s position on the importance of the environment to long-term growth and economic stability.
All in all it was a good meeting that accomplished BEA objectives. We thank MP Sidhu for her time and attention.