Infrastructure Canada
Infrastructure Canada Investments in Public infrastructure Support a Strong, Competitive and Sustainable Canada Our Commitment to infrastructure in Canada
3
INFRASTRUCTURE CANADA
Public infrastructure is the backbone of our nation’s economic prosperity and social development. Investments in modern and efficient public infrastructure help create jobs and promote economic growth and productivity. From large-scale construction projects to smaller-scale, community-based investments, infrastructure has the power to revitalize, strengthen, and improve the everyday lives of all Canadians. Over the next 10 years, our Government will invest $75 billion in infrastructure that delivers results for Canadians – a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and better 4
March 2015
communities. These investments will provide stable, predictable funding for projects that enhance economic growth, job creation and productivity and will help maintain Canada’s economic position amongst the strongest of the G7 countries. In fact, Canada has consistently ranked atop the G7 countries in total investments in infrastructure as a percentage of GDP since our Conservative Government took office in 2006. No other federal government in our nation’s history has demonstrated this commitment and has made these levels of investment. Our partners play a crucial role in
w w w. i n f r a s t r u c t u re . g c . c a
supporting investments in Canada’s infrastructure. At 95%, the vast majority of all public infrastructure assets in this country are owned by provinces, territories and municipalities. Our Government is committed to working with all levels of government, as well as with the private sector, to ensure that our investments support the priorities of all Canadians. Our infrastructure programs have been designed to meet the needs of our citizens, while achieving the best value for taxpayers’ dollars. Projects are cost-shared to maximize federal investments while leveraging greater funding from other sources. Through cost-sharing, we are able to increase the number of federally funded projects and address the needs of more Canadians across our great country. Unprecedented Federal Infrastructure Investments As part of our Government’s historic investments, the $53-billion New Building Canada Plan, the largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in our nation’s history, provides funding in several different ways:
the renewed federal Gas Tax Fund is available directly to municipalities to address their local needs, the National Infrastructure Component provides funding for projects of national significance, that contribute to long-term economic growth and prosperity and the ProvincialTerritorial Infrastructure Component supports projects of national, regional and local significance while contributing to economic growth, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities. This approach was taken to offer a flexible approach to infrastructure financing and supports investments that address priorities under a wide range of eligible categories. Infrastructure Investments Support Sustainable Communities Investments in public infrastructure can improve the quality of the environment and lead to a more sustainable economy over the long term. Since 2006, federal contributions to infrastructure have supported improvements in the areas of solid waste management, renewable energy, and wastewater – resulting in cleaner air and water. Protecting and enhancing the w w w. i n f r a s t r u c t u re . g c . c a
5
INFRASTRUCTURE CANADA
quality of Canada’s freshwater resources supports recreation, tourism, and fisheries, and is an important contributor to the manufacturing, resource and agricultural sectors of the economy. In recognition of the importance of clean water, our Government has made significant investments in wastewater infrastructure. Over the past 9 years, the federal government has committed over $2.08 billion to wastewater infrastructure projects across Canada through a number of its programs. In addition, since 2006, municipalities have invested almost $811 million of the Gas Tax Fund in wastewater projects. Wastewater Investments in Canada’s Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River 6
March 2015
Recognizing the challenges that wastewater effluent can pose, Canada and the United States first signed the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) in 1972, and renewed it most recently in 2012. The agreement commits both countries to support the environmental health of the Great Lakes. Since 2006, our Government has invested approximately $643 million in direct funding toward municipal wastewater infrastructure projects in the Great Lakes Basin alone, projects that have helped restore some of the region’s most vulnerable areas. Improvements to the Halton Region Wastewater Treatment Plant also serve as a prime example of cooperation between municipal, provincial and federal governments
CONSTRUCTION
toward meeting domestic and international commitments to protect our water resources. In November 2009, we were proud to announce our support for the expansion of Halton’s Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant. Expansion and enhancements to the plant are helping to improve the quality of treated wastewater discharged into the Hamilton Harbour. Moving Forward Our Government will continue to support projects that will improve the quality of the environment and lead to a more sustainable economy over the long term. As was the case under past federal infrastructure programs, important environmentally-focused categories such as water and wastewater treatment are eligible categories for funding under the New Building Canada Plan. 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 across Canada. I am very proud that our Government has delivered a New Building Canada Plan to help finance the construction, rehabilitation and enhancement of infrastructure across Canada. The Honourable Denis Lebel Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of
Company Information Infrastructure Canada leads federal efforts to ensure that Canadians benefit from worldclass, modern public infrastructure. We achieve this by making investments, building partnerships, developing policies, delivering programs, and fostering knowledge. The department is a key funding partner, working with provinces, territories, municipalities, the private sector and nonprofit organizations, along with other federal departments and agencies to help build and revitalize the infrastructure Canadians need and use every day.
Quebec w w w. i n f r a s t r u c t u re . g c . c a
7
INFRASTRUCTURE CANADA 180 Kent Street Suite 1100 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 0B6 Telephone Infrastructure Canada: 613-948-1148 Toll Free Number: 1-877-250-7154 www.infrastructure.gc.ca