Justin Trudeau and Bonnie Crombie Talk About the Future of Mississauga

On Monday, Feb. 27, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stopped by Mississauga City Hall to meet with Mayor Bonnie Crombie and a host of other officials to chat about a topic that's been top of mind for leaders and residents for some time: city-building.

The visit, announced very shortly before the Prime Minister was set to arrive, was well-attended by a host of media personnel and members of the public. The mood in City Hall was energetic, with some onlookers holding signs welcoming the youthful Prime Minister and others hurling insults in his general direction over his stance on refugees.

According to the city, Mayor Crombie used her time with the Prime Minister to discuss the city's council-approved 2017 pre-budget submission.

For those who are unaware, the pre-budget submission calls for federal funding to build regionally-integrated transit, modern infrastructure and affordable housing.

"City-building is nation-building," Crombie said. "When we work to address the issues and achieve real results for the people of Mississauga, all of Canada is better positioned to grow, prosper and succeed."

Crombie also highlighted the Missing Link - a plan that will facilitate all day, two-way GO Train service on the Milton line. The Missing Link opens up the continental gateway allowing for the better movement of goods and people, ideally making the economy stronger and more competitive.

Other officials in attendance included Mississauga Members of Parliament Sven Spengemann (Mississauga-Lakeshore); Peter Fonseca (Mississauga-East Cooksville); Omar Alghabra (Mississauga Centre); Iqra Khalid (Mississauga-Erin Mills); and Gagan Sikand (Mississauga-Streetsville).

During the meeting, Crombie reiterated council's support for the Trudeau government and MP Khalid's Private Members' Motion (M-103) to combat Islamophobia, all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination.

"No one should ever have to think twice about calling Canada home. Canada's cities and towns must always be welcoming and inclusive," Crombie said. "Eliminating systemic racism, religious discrimination and Islamophobia is a national call to action," Mayor Crombie added.

Last week, council unanimously passed a motion in support of M-103. Council has also invited the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to hold hearings in Mississauga using city meeting space.

According to the Mayor's office, Crombie concluded by thanking Prime Minister Trudeau and Mississauga's MPs for "committing to make cities more livable places by investing in the priorities of Canada's municipalities including, transit, infrastructure and housing."