Local Liberal candidates pledged their support for Ottawa's new transit plan and blasted the Conservatives for their lack of commitment to public transportation in the capital during a joint campaign appearance at Carleton University on Thursday.

While promising their support for improved public transportation in the city, Liberals also had some harsh words for John Baird's decision to withhold $200 million in federal funding for a previous light rail plan in Ottawa.

"At a time when the economy is slowing, we've lost $2.2 billion of economic activity in this region. That is a disgrace. Mr. Harper, Mr. Baird should stand up and apologize to 815,000 citizens. Let them justify this to the folks who are out there in the construction industries," said Ottawa South incumbent David McGuinty.

Meanwhile, Ottawa-Centre Conservative candidate Brian McGarry said Tories running in all area ridings support a "desire to expand" the city's light rail network, adding a Conservative government would commit additional funding beyond what is already on the table.

"A Conservative government will continue to be a partner of the City of Ottawa as it turns its vision for transit into reality," McGarry said in a media release.

"We support increasing the federal government's commitment beyond $200 million as the city determines its long-term needs as part of its overall transportation plan."

Baird, who was then president of the Treasury Board, reviewed Ottawa's previous light rail contract in October 2006 in the midst of a municipal election and said the agreement provided a cancellation deadline in December. At the time, he said the soon to be elected city council should be able to vote on the issue.

Following the decision to withhold funding, the newly-elected city council, led by current Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien, cancelled the contract and requested city staff to devise a new plan for mass transit.

Some political observers have contended Baird's decision was made to undermine the re-election campaign of former Ottawa mayor Bob Chiarelli who is also a long-time Liberal.

The decision spawned a massive lawsuit, launched by a consortium of companies that successfully bid on the cancelled project.

The issue remains before the courts and could potentially cost taxpayers millions of dollars.