Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Ottawa will chip in to help Toronto expand its subway system further into the city’s east end, though it is not immediately known precisely how much money the government will be providing.

"I think this is good news for Toronto commuters, who obviously continue to face the challenges of gridlock," Harper said to reporters at the International Plaza Hotel near Toronto's main airport on Sunday afternoon.

The prime minister said the amount of financial help from Ottawa will be nailed down as the funding gets formally set aside.

Mayor Rob Ford heralded the formal announcement of the government’s support as "great news."

"This is exactly what the doctor ordered," Ford said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/harper-says-ottawa-will-help-extend-toronto-s-subway-system-1.1863966