Mr. James
Moore (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works
and Government Services and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and
the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, CPC):
Mr. Speaker,
West Coast Express is a popular and efficient commuter rail
service linking Mission, Port Haney, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows,
Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody with downtown
Vancouver.
Over 18
million riders have used West Coast Express since its opening,
and my constituents want it supported and expanded.
Mr.
Speaker, I have listened to my constituents, and our government
is taking action.
In our
budget, we fulfilled our campaign commitment to offer a tax
credit for the purchase of monthly public transit passes. This
new measure, effective on July 1st, 2006, will mean
real savings for West Coast Express riders. As an example,
riders purchasing the monthly Port Moody-Waterfront pass, will
save $283.65 a year, and seniors and students will save $175.77
a year.
On top of
this tax credit, we have also tabled legislation, Bill C-11,
that will allow for the expansion and growth of West Coast
Express in the future.
Tri-City
residents have told me they like and support the West Coast
Express. I, and this Conservative government, have listened and
are delivering for the Tri-Cities.
