Good for PR but not for potholes

I see the federal government [Rob Moore] was boasting about the "first payment of $2,555,057 under the Canada-New Brunswick Agreement on the Transfer of Federal Gas Tax Revenues and the Provincial Gas Tax Transfer Top-up Fund".

Let's just say this is nothing to sneeze at, however, the figure is very misleading to New Brunswickers as a significant portion of the money [announced] for Saint John, as well as the entire province, is not earmarked for essential infrastructure such as the upgrading of roads, highway construction and bridge building. Some of it will be dropped into environmentally sustainable infrastructure such as water and watershed treatment, local energy systems and solid waste. Here's an excerpt from Moore:

"Canada's New Government is moving forward on its commitment to support environmentally sustainable infrastructure in communities across Canada," said Mr. Moore. "I am pleased that the City of Saint John will be able to proceed with water and transportation infrastructure projects that will benefit the residents of Saint John, the environment and the economy. Today's announcement demonstrates what can be achieved when we work in partnership for the benefit of all Canadians."

Now don't get me wrong here, the Harper government has done quite a bit to ensure that more money from gas taxes is dedicated to critical roadway infrastructure --- $1.8 billion [this year] to be exact or 36 per cent of the gas and diesel tax revenue. However, it would still be nice to see the feds eliminate the 1.5 cent per litre tax which was earmarked in 1995 as a deficit reducing measure. The deficit is under control fellas...time to remove that regressive tax and put it towards more roadway infrastructure and pothole repair. I know the front shocks on my car could sure use a break. ;-)