WHAT’S NEW TODAY? Well apparently, the cheque is in the mail and it’s being built

Just in case you didn’t know it. “Metro Vancouver is home to some of the fastest-growing cities in Canada.”

AND … “Modern, efficient transit systems are needed more than ever to reduce traffic congestion, connect businesses and communities, and meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.”

This afternoon Justin Trudeau, and BC Premier John Horgan, announced more than $3 billion in federal and provincial funding for two major rapid transit projects in Metro Vancouver … the Broadway Subway project … and the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project.

Luckily however, at least one reporter was on the ball asking, “All of these things have been announced before – why are we here – is this just a photo op?”

Regrettably, while listening to the live feed of the (re)announcement, I missed the name of the female reporter, however let me offer my congratulations for the question being asked, as it DOE NOT happen often enough – and it should!

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, stick handled the question admirably, with typical Trudeau mush … it’s not a photo op -- co-operation between levels of government – two levels of government investing in the future – negotiating through difficulties – blah, blah, blah.

So, it was left to NDP Premier Horgan receiving the pass from Trudeau, and attempting the goal.

“WHAT’S NEW TODAY?  Well the cheque is in the mail and it’s being built.”, said Horgan.

So yah … it actually really was a photo op … and indeed, as we all know, everything HAD BEEN announced before.

BUT … the smiles between the two, the comradely bromance on display (as they stick-handled through, and evaded answering the question), WAS on display for all to see.

But just in case you’re wondering, the Government of Canada will contribute $1.37 billion to the two projects, while BC’s government tosses in $1.82 billion, along with another $1.23 billion from Translink, the City of Vancouver, and the City of Surrey.

And, according to a BC government media release sent out a short time ago:

The Broadway Subway will be able to move 5,100 more passengers per hour, in each direction, compared to the existing bus service it will replace.  Meantime in Surrey, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project will take people from one end of the line to the other in approximately 27 minutes.

Oh, by the way, did you know there’s a municipal election on the way in October.  Yah right, but remember, it wasn’t a photo op.

In Kamloops, I’m Alan Forseth.  Anything you’d care to say about the non-photo op Photo Op?  Post it down below in the Comments Section which follows.