WINNIPEG -- The mayors of Canada's big cities expressed optimism about infrastructure funding following a meeting with federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi.
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson says some details of the $60-billion program still have to be worked out, but the signs from the federal government are that the program will be flexible enough to cover a wide variety of projects.
Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman says there is an unprecedented level of co-operation between the levels of government on infrastructure programs.
The federal government recently announced $12 billion for the first phase of the program, for projects ranging from road repair to transit that can be completed by 2018.
A second phase will follow for longer-term projects.
Sohi says the federal government will be flexible as detailed agreements are worked out with provinces and municipalities, and Ottawa respects the decisions of local governments.
