Canada’s Cities Need Billions After Deferring Property Taxes

Canadian cities need more federal and provincial help during the pandemic, including access to a greater share of tax revenue, according to the country’s top representative of local governments.

Local governments need C$10 billion to C$15 billion (U.S. $7.4 billion-$11.1 billion) in the near term because they’re losing revenue while simultaneously providing more front-line support, Bill Karsten, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, said Tuesday in an interview.

“This is a threat to our vital services,” Karsten said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday that Ottawa would fast-track C$2.2 billion in transfers to municipalities. The money, while welcome, ...