Saanich mayor Frank Leonard says he’s not concerned about any changes to the MPs representing his community, especially when it comes to federal funding.
“I don’t see a threat there at all,” Leonard said, about new faces representing the South Island on a federal level. “All five political parties are supportive of infrastructure program and the gas tax being permanent, so that’s all good news for us.”
On Monday, longtime Saanich-Gulf Island MP Gary Lunn, a cabinet minister in the Conservative government, was ousted by Elizabeth May, who is now the Green Party's lone MP.
In Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, the NDP's Randall Garrison was elected to his first term while fellow NDPers Denise Savoie was reelected in the Victoria riding.
Saanich is currently investing federal money to help finance a number of infrastructure projects like wood-stave pipe replacement and road upgrades.
Federal gas tax funds are requested every year to be put toward road and bridge improvements and replacements. This year Saanich is asking for $34 million in gas tax revenue for four different projects, include replacing the Craigflower bridge.
kslavin@saanichnews.com