Public infrastructure in Canada is on the right track, but more investment is needed going forward, the government says.
The declaration came recently as Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Denis Lebel and Minister of State (Transport) Steven Fletcher held a series of roundtables over the summer regarding the development of a long term infrastructure plan for the country that will extend beyond the Building Canada plan in 2014.
“We have overwhelmingly heard from partners and stakeholders that we are on the right track,” Lebel said. “We have heard that there is a need for strong and sustained federal support for infrastructure and that we need to continue to work in partnership as we move forward. Looking ahead, we will establish a new long-term infrastructure plan to will build on our many successes and contribute to economic growth and job creation, and provide lasting benefits to Canadians.”
Throughout the summer, the two ministers met with representatives from the provinces, territories, and municipalities, as well as other key stakeholder groups, with discussions focusing around broad principles and directions for a new long term infrastructure plan.
Lebel and Fletcher say the government wants to develop a plan that will deliver results through long-term investment programs. The ministers say this includes exploring opportunities that encourage greater private-sector involvement and public-private partnerships.
Under the existing Building Canada plan, which came into play following the 2007 budget and will expire in 2014, the government allocated $33 billion over seven years for infrastructure upgrades.
Describing infrastructure investments as ‘the foundational strength of the economy’ which can ‘transform’ communities, Fletcher says the new plan will build on the achievements of the existing plan.
“The Building Canada plan was an important step forward to ensure Canadians benefit from modern, world-class infrastructure,” he said. “The next plan should be long-term, stable and flexible to keep our country strong, vibrant and competitive, and benefit all Canadians.”
