"The province’s contribution to the Green Line has never been a blank cheque, and the current alignment put forward by the City of Calgary is an irresponsible waste of taxpayer dollars. The province promised funding for a line servicing hundreds of thousands of Calgarians in southeast Calgary, not a stub line barely reaching out of downtown.

“It is unfortunate that some members of city council would prefer to see the Green Line cancelled entirely rather than find a far more cost-effective and longer above-ground alignment that will actually reach hundreds of thousands of Calgarians in the southeast of the city.

“Regarding wind-down costs, I don’t see why Alberta taxpayers should be asked to pay for decade-long mismanagements and decisions of past mayors and city councils.

“Further, the City is more than welcome to proceed with the project without provincial funding should they insist that the cost of the wind-down exceeds the committed provincial contribution.

“By December, the province will provide city council with a new alternative route extending further into southeast Calgary for their consideration. Once it is ready, we will be happy to discuss it with the City and determine whether to proceed.

“Should the City change its mind and decide to build a Green Line that serves the needs of Calgary commuters, our provincial contribution remains on the table.”