Federal, provincial and territorial infrastructure ministers working together to build stronger communities while creating good middle class jobs

Historic infrastructure investments improving quality of life for all Canadians

HALIFAX, Sept. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - Well-planned public infrastructure investments help build strong communities, create jobs and opportunities for the middle class, and support a high standard of living for Canadians and their families, while building a country ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21^st century.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Lloyd Hines, Nova Scotia's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, co-chaired a meeting with Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for infrastructure. Ministers discussed the federal long-term infrastructure plan, the investments made to date, what the agreements for the next decade will bring and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Investing in Canada plan is making historic investments in infrastructure that rely on the strong cooperation and partnership between all orders of governments. The first phase of the plan has helped communities across the country to make critical repairs and modernize key infrastructure, improving every-day life for millions of Canadians. For example:

• over 1,400 water systems have been repaired or built;
• more than 100,000 social housing units have been refurbished or built, putting a roof over the heads of the most vulnerable;
• over 900 rural and remote communities will receive new or enhanced access to high-speed Internet to help residents do business online, participate in distance education, access better health services, and connect with family and friends; and
• more than 1,100 transit projects have been approved in over 200 communities allowing people to move around more efficiently with over 7,000 newly purchased or refurbished buses.

The next phase of the Plan builds on the progress we've made and focusses on projects that necessitate longer term planning to help transform our Canadian communities ? from the smallest towns to the largest cities. Through newly signed long-term bilateral agreements, provinces and territories now have the flexibility and tools they need to structure their investments in a way that achieves meaningful, long-term results for their communities. Together we will invest in projects that will provide better transportation and digital infrastructure for people living in remote communities and support projects to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide cleaner air and water.

Ministers expressed their shared commitment to move forward with submissions and approve projects as quickly as possible. They also explored ways to address the timeliness of the flow of funds and ensure payments are made as construction work takes place.

Ministers also had the opportunity to hear from the Canada Infrastructure Bank on how major projects could be funded through this innovative tool and from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on the municipal perspective for building Canada's future communities.

Quotes

"I am proud of the work accomplished to date with our partners. The thousands of infrastructure projects we have already invested in are making real, tangible differences in people's lives. From coast to coast to coast, Canadians are enjoying safer roads and highways, better and more public transit options, cleaner and safer water, and more community spaces to connect with each other. We will build on our success to create opportunities and jobs for the middle class, while building the infrastructure of the 21^st century that will prepare our communities to be competitive and successful."

Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"We're delighted to host our federal, provincial and territorial partners in Halifax to highlight the importance of the Investing in Canada program to help strengthen and grow our communities across the country. This historic infrastructure agreement provides communities across Canada with the opportunity to drive economic growth, create good jobs and support families and businesses. We will continue to work closely with our federal partners to make strategic investments that will support local priorities and help our communities prosper and innovate."

Honourable Lloyd Hines, Nova Scotia's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal

Quick facts

• Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• Progress under the first phase of the Plan:
• $14.4 billion available to support projects prioritized by our funding partners
• All 34 programs launched
• Over 30,000 projects approved, worth $12.7 billion in federal funding alone
• Over 87% of approved projects underway or completed
• As part of the Plan, Infrastructure Canada will deliver $33 billion over the next decade through new bilateral agreements with provinces and territories under four funding streams:
• $20.1 billion for public transit;
• $9.2 billion for green infrastructure;
• $1.3 billion for community, cultural and recreational infrastructure; and
• $2 billion for wide-ranging infrastructure needs in rural and northern communities.

Associated links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada