Canada is a country in which, historically, the federal government has not maintained a policy regarding urban public transport and in which there is no history of federal investment in public transport. Against this background, Canada's public transport industry has developed a strategic approach to shaping policy by engaging political commitment from the federal government. In the period from 1999 to 2007, a systematic process of advocacy - through relationship-building, education and public awareness - has succeeded in establishing interest, support and commitment at the federal level. Today, the federal government has become a funding partner in a wide variety of transit infrastructure projects, has dedicated half of the federal fuel tax for sustainable municipal infrastructure, and has introduced a tax credit for public transit passes. It is also embarking on a review of the national fiscal balance in which the role of public transport will be a key element. This presentation is designed to share this experience, including challenges, successes and disappointments, in an effort to provide examples as well as lessons learned that may have relevance in other countries.
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