OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 5, 2015) -
As Minister for Infrastructure, I have been paying close attention to comments made at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference in Edmonton, Alberta over the past days.
I am extremely disappointed to hear the misconceptions about our Government's infrastructure investments that have been stated as fact. I would like to correct the record on what our Government is doing for provinces, territories and municipalities when it comes to infrastructure investments.
We all know that investments in modern and efficient public infrastructure across Canada create jobs, promote economic growth and provide a high quality of life for all Canadians and their families. This is exactly why the Harper Government is delivering for Canadians now.
Our Government's commitment to infrastructure represents $80 billion over the next decade. No other federal government has made these levels of investment in the history of our country.
Contrary to what some have stated, since 2006, Canada has consistently led G7 countries in infrastructure funding as a rate of GDP.
Our infrastructure programs are designed to meet the needs of municipalities, provinces, and territories - who own 95 per cent of all public infrastructure in Canada - while achieving the best value for taxpayers' dollars. That is why all three levels of government, and the private sector, have a role to play in supporting public infrastructure.
The New Building Canada Plan was designed with those principles in mind. It is the largest and longest infrastructure plan in Canadian history.
Let's be clear, the Plan is about stable, predictable, long-term funding for the infrastructure needs of communities from coast to coast to coast.
We are now into our second year since the launch of this program and so much has already been achieved. In fact, projects representing over $6.2 billion have already been announced.
Our Government's unprecedented infrastructure investments have led to real, tangible infrastructure benefits that provide jobs and help improve transportation, commerce and business across the country.
As we move forward with our infrastructure investments, we do so in tandem with our partners to provide meaningful and lasting benefits for our communities throughout Canada.
The Harper Government will remain a key partner for provinces and municipalities when it comes to infrastructure funding.
The Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Contact Information:
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure,
Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs,
and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada
for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838