FEATURE
When the federal government announced its in-frastructure
plan as part of its 2016 budget, it
also emphasized a vision that would not on-ly
grow Canada’s economy, but also improve the lives of Canadians
from coast to coast by going beyond concrete and water pipes.
Infrastructure Canada is moving quickly to implement Phase 1 of a
historic plan to invest more than $120 billion in infrastructure over
the next decade.
On April 22, just one month after Budget 2016 was present-ed
to Canadians, the Honourable Minister of Infrastructure and
Communities Amarjeet Sohi wrote to his provincial and territorial
counterparts to continue discussions that will lead to the signature
of bilateral agreements, allowing funding to be transferred to the 13
governments under the new programs. This $120 billion doubles the
federal investment in public infrastructure – with a focus on public
transit, green and social infrastructure.
“As we develop our plan, it is important to hear from Canadians
about their priorities, what their infrastructure needs are and about
what these investments can do to make our communities the kinds
of places that people want to live, work, grow and play,” says Minister
Sohi.
Phase 1 of the government’s infrastructure plan – already under-way
– will provide more than $10 billion over two years to modern-ize
public transit, improve water and wastewater systems, expand
affordable housing and protect infrastructure from the effects of cli-mate
change.
“There are broad-based and urgent needs and infrastructure is
the foundation of sustainable and inclusive communities,” Minister
Sohi says. “It removes barriers, brings people together and allows all
Canadians to be active participants in their community.”
Minister Sohi says the Government of Canada is working closely
with all of its partners and stakeholders to deliver an ambitious plan
that will significantly increase federal infrastructure investments
and build strong communities. The investments include:
• Social infrastructure: priority investments will be made in
affordable housing and seniors facilities, early learning and
child care, and cultural and recreational infrastructure. These
investments in social infrastructure will help strengthen the
middle class, promote inclusive growth for Canadians and lift
more Canadians – including children and seniors – out of poverty.
• Transit: Phase 1 investments across Canada will help to shorten
commute times, cut air pollution, strengthen communities
and grow Canada’s economy. New funding for public transit
will be flexible to meet the needs of municipalities, in order to
Infrastructure Canada
is moving quickly to
implement Phase 1 of
a historic plan to invest
more than $120 billion
in infrastructure across
the country over the
next decade
By Lisa Kopochinski
saskheavy.ca | Quarter 3 2016 | Think BIG 41
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