Public Affairs

The realization of Transit Vision 2040 requires strong commitment from a wide variety of stakeholders and decision-makers. Close collaboration between the transit industry and all levels of governments, a long-term vision, and political leadership are key in ensuring that transit maximizes its contribution to quality of life for all Canadians. CUTA's Public Affairs program is designed to maintain a constant and open policy dialogue with all stakeholders.

Government Submissions

Every year, the Standing Committee on Finance holds pre-budget discussions prior to the delivery of the federal budget. These discussions provide our members with an opportunity to contribute to this process and CUTA has been participating in these consultations for a number of years.

At the national level, CUTA has provided written submissions and has appeared before the Standing Committee on Finance every year. CUTA has also regularly submitted submissions to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. CUTA has also encouraged its members to participate in the cross Canada hearings of both committees.

Open Letter to Prime Minister Harper: The Importance of a Long-Term Vision for Transit

Review of Federal Support to Research and Development

Government of Canada's Online Consultations - Federal Budget 2011

Finance Committee Pre-Budget Submission - Federal Budget 2011

Finance Committee Pre-Budget Oral Presentation - Federal Budget 2011

Media Event Speaking Notes on the Economic Benefits of Public Transit

Employer Provided Tax-Exempt Transit Benefit

A tax-exempt transit benefit is a non-taxable benefit offered by employers to employees to assist with the cost of commuting by transit. Such a measure promotes public transit use in a targeted and cost-effective way. You will find here documents related to a legislative initiative, Bill C-466, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (transportation benefits), currently debated in the House of Commons.

Letter to the Hon. Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, 3 March 2011

Bill C-466, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (transportation benefits)

Cost Estimate Analysis of Bill C-466 Produced by the Parliamentary Budget Officer

Tax Exemptions for Employer-provided Transit Benefits

Letter of Support for Bill C-466

Issue Paper #15, October 2005 - Tax-Exempt Transit Benefits: New Insights Make The Case

UITP - Letter of Support for Bill C-466

Advocacy Reports

Public transit contributes to improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens with benefits that support a vibrant and equitable society, a complete and compact community form, a dynamic and efficient economy, and a healthy natural environment. This section contains reports and research that demonstrate how transit plays a vital role in our communities and in Canada.

Economic Impact

Issue Paper #35 - Measuring Success: The Economic Impact of Transit Investment in Canada 

Transit Infrastructure Needs

Transit Infrastructure Needs for the Period 2010-2014

National Transit Strategy

Response to Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 2007

For more information, visit the Federation for Canadian Municipalities

Urban Transit Task Force

Urban Transit in Canada: Taking Stock of Recent Progress, 2009 - Produced by the Urban Transportation Task Force of the Council of Deputy Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety

Federal/Provincial Task Force on Urban Transit - Media Advisory