TORONTO -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper says his government will pitch in an unspecified amount of money to fund a subway extension in Toronto.
"This is good news for Toronto commuters who obviously continue to face the challenges of gridlock," Harper said Sunday, flanked by Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
But Harper didn't make clear just how much the federal government will inject into the expansion plan, saying only that the funding commitment will now go through the formal approval process.
Ford applauded the funding pledge and said the subway will benefit residents throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
"This is what the people want and the federal government has delivered."
"It's going to create thousands of jobs and this is exactly what the doctor ordered," Ford added.
The province has offered $1.4 billion for a shorter expansion, but a map at the announcement suggests the subway would be longer with three spots and match the city's costlier original plan.
Ford had earlier requested Ottawa step up to the plate and help fund the extension, and a response was due by Sept. 30.
