New Westminster has a long term vision for its Downtown and the waterfront but the building of the proposed North Fraser Perimeter Road could destroy those plans.

How do you envision the federal government getting involved in the construction of the North Fraser Perimeter Road, which will run along the New Westminster waterfront?

Here’s what they had to say.

Ken Beck Lee, Liberal Party

(www.kenlee.ca)

The construction of the NRPR definitely needs funding from the federal government.

The Liberal Party believes in stable infrastructure funding for local communities. There are various ways in which reliable funding could be directed to municipalities.

We could allocate one per cent of the GST or a portion of the gasoline tax to create regular and predictable funding.

The municipal government should decide what projects need various funds, as it is this level of government which is closest to the people and best understands the needs and concerns of the area.

Rebecca Helps, Green Party

(www.nwcgreens.ca)

The NFPR is about globalization which is killing our communities and endangering our future.

I feel that the federal government needs to take a leadership role in looking for and providing opportunities that will help our community establish a stronger localized economy.

We need direct investment by the federal government at the local level in efficient transportation, new efficient water and waste infrastructure, localized energy production, technology, food production, process and storage, green construction, renovations and repairs, alternative health services, alternative educational services designed for local needs and arts and culture.

These types of investments will create long term quality jobs in our community which will increase community spirit and safety. Job security will also be increased as we can better control the factors that affect local jobs. The NFPR is not in the best interest of our community and I believe the MP for New Westminster-Coquitlam needs to work with Parliament to ensure federal funding spent in the riding is in the best long term interest of residents.

Fin Donnelly, NDP

(www.findonnelly.ca)

We need federal investment in transportation infrastructure to generate jobs, stimulate the economy and reduce traffic congestion.

This kind of investment is a key step to helping Canada through tough economic times. There has been a lot of concern that these investments have flowed too slowly under the Conservative government, and that infrastructure investments have been mired in partisan game-playing.

As your MP, I will work hard to secure the funding and get on with the job.

But I also know that building the NFPR alone isn’t enough to eliminate the traffic congestion that plagues our region. The fastest, most cost-effective way to relieve traffic jams and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to provide improved transit.

That’s why I will work for both the perimeter road and expanded transit.

Diana Dilworth, Conservative

(www.dianadilworth.ca)

Ensuring that residents have access to well maintained, safe and secure infrastructure is a priority for representatives at all levels of government.

The creation and maintenance of new and existing infrastructure projects is essential to the functioning of our community, creating jobs, allowing business to thrive and giving families access to vital resources. The NFPR is an example of how all three levels of government can work together for the betterment of our community.

The proposed project is the jurisdiction of the province and the city who are working to develop a plan that will benefit New Westminster. The federal government’s involvement in this project will be a financial one should the province and municipality submit a funding request.

As Member of Parliament for New Westminster-Coquitlam I will ensure that worthwhile projects such as the NFPR are funded and can proceed as planned.