BREAKING: Catherine McKenna announces $400 MILLION for bike paths and trails

Minister for Infrastructure Catherine McKenna announced on Friday that the Trudeau Liberals will be dedicating $400 million over the next five years to building cycling paths and trails.

The announcement came from Bushtukah Bicycle Shop in Ottawa, where the minister detailed the "good jobs" the paths will create, while also aligning with Canada's plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

"This is the first federal fund dedicated to building active transportation through Canada–powered by people–and part of the Government of Canada's plan to create one million jobs, fight climate change, and build a more sustainable and resilient economy," a statement from Infrastructure Canada reads.

The fund is a part of a $14.9-billion public transit investment created by the Trudeau Liberals, an initiative that the government says will help rural communities and will "support communities as they build vibrant neighborhoods where people can safely live, work and play."

"Canadians love using safe cycling paths and  trails to get around their towns and cities. It’s a great way to stay healthy, enjoy nature, and connect to public transit, and it is good for the environment," said McKenna on Friday. "This investment will make it easier for more people to get around on foot, bikes, scooters, wheelchairs and e-bikes. This is the first national project of its kind in Canada."

"We're also looking for ways to build back better, by building the Canada we want. With good jobs, a sustainable economy, cleaner air, and more inclusive communities," said McKenna on Friday.

The Trudeau Liberals had previously already invested more than $130 million in transportation projects across Canada, as well as $2.7 billion for zero-emission busses.