The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that cultural infrastructure plays a key role in developing dynamic communities and preserving Canada's diverse heritage.

“With a larger space, the Anne-Hébert library will be able to fully meet its educational and social roles for Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier residents. The Government of Canada recognizes that strategic investments in public infrastructure support community development and help create good jobs that strengthen the middle class.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The residents of Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier will soon have access to a high-quality cultural centre conducive to learning. I am particularly pleased, more so as this municipality has one of the youngest populations in Quebec. The Anne-Hébert library relocation project will allow the City to make dual use of the site for educational and municipal purposes and to diversify its clientele, notably, by offering digital technology like e-books. Our government recognizes the cultural role and importance of libraries in Quebec.”

François Blais, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity, and Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region

“When the Anne‑Hébert library was opened on January 25, 1986, in the presence of the famous poet and novelist, Anne Hébert, there was a population of 3,590 residents. Today, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier has 7,706 residents. Between 2011 and 2016, the population increased by 21.9%. Young people between 0 and 14 years old represent 1,805 residents, i.e. 23% of the population. I am pleased about the important contributions of the governments of Quebec and Canada that will finally provide Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier residents with a library that better meets their needs.”

Pierre Dolbec, Mayor of Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier

• The Small Communities Fund is a joint federal‒provincial program coordinated by Infrastructure Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. In Quebec, the Fund is administered by the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. The goal of this program is to provide financial support to Canadian municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents to develop infrastructure that can enhance their cultural, sports, recreational, and tourism assets or safeguard public assets.

• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

• Budget 2017 proposes $21.9 billion to support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

• The 2017-2027 Quebec Infrastructure Plan calls for $7 billion in investments in municipal infrastructure under the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. When combined with contributions from the Government of Canada and municipalities, this means $15 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec over the next 10 years.

Associated Links

• For more information about the government of Canada’s $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017
• Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec
• The New Building Canada Plan
• N New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund
• 2017-2027 Quebec Infrastructure Plan

Kate Monfette
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613 301-0894

Karl Filion
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Culture and Communications, and Minister Responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language
418 380-2310

Simon Laboissonnière
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity, and Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region
418 643-4810

For information:

Infrastructure Canada
613‑960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

Pierre-Luc Lévesque
Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs, Land Occupancy, and Public Security
418‑646-6777, ext. 3746