(Newmarket-Aurora, ON) - Newly elected Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown highlighted local infrastructure needs recently in the House of Commons during “Oral Questions” period on January 27. The Hansard text follows:

CANADA’S 40TH PARLIAMENT, 2ND SESSION
HOUSE OF COMMONS
Tuesday, January 27, 2009

ORAL QUESTIONS

Ms. Lois Brown (Newmarket—Aurora, CPC): Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks we have heard from provincial premiers and municipal leaders across the country that increased spending toward infrastructure projects can provide a vital shot in the arm for our economy.

Can Canada's transport and infrastructure minister please tell the House what steps our government will be taking to make sure that construction on key projects can begin as soon as possible?

Hon. John Baird (Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the member for Newmarket—Aurora knows how loath I am to divulge any details that could be contained in the budget that will be presented in this place at four o'clock

We have lots of rules in place, lots of laws in place to stop bad things from happening, but we do not have enough rules in place to facilitate good things to happen. We came forward with a five-point action plan designed to speed up and encourage the creation of jobs, encourage construction of our roads, bridges and sewers right across the country. We brought that plan to Canada's 13 premiers and they all agreed to support that plan. We are going to get on with creating jobs and providing hope and opportunity.

As a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Lois is a strong advocate for the needs of local municipalities. “I will be working diligently with all levels of government to ensure Newmarket and Aurora participate to the fullest extent possible in the measures contained in Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Ms. Brown.

Lois Brown’s initial remarks in the House were made November 24 when she rose to commend  the Town of Aurora’s prestigious accomplishment as the 2008 recipient of the Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage Leadership.