Antigonish, Nova Scotia, November 9, 2007 - To better
address the infrastructure needs and priorities of Nova Scotia, the
governments of Canada and Nova Scotia today announced the signing of a
Framework Agreement worth $634.38 million under Building Canada, the
Government of Canada's new long-term infrastructure plan. The Honourable
Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
along with the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and
Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Honourable
Rodney MacDonald, Premier of Nova Scotia, and the Honourable Murray Scott,
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for Nova Scotia,
participated in today's announcement.
The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia also identified the
construction of Phase 1 of a new Highway 104 twinning project outside
Antigonish as a priority for funding under Building Canada.
"The signing of a Framework Agreement between the Government of Canada
and Nova Scotia, in the spirit of open federalism, will result in
significant infrastructure initiatives that will strengthen Nova Scotia's
economy, communities, and contribute to a cleaner environment," said
Minister Cannon.
"The safety and security of our road system is a key priority for the
Government of Canada. The investment of a twinned highway outside
Antigonish is an example of how Building Canada is helping to ensure that
Nova Scotians have modern, safe and efficient infrastructure," stated
Minister MacKay.
"Today's announcement is a major step forward in improving our
province's infrastructure – its roads, green energy, public transit, its
water and wastewater systems," said Premier MacDonald. "We are taking a
giant step forward in building stronger, more vibrant communities in Nova
Scotia."
"This investment will go a long way towards helping us tackle our
infrastructure challenges over the coming years," said Minister Scott. "It
means Nova Scotia will have long-term, predictable funding to invest in
safer and smoother highways."
The two governments have already identified an early priority for
funding consideration. The construction of the first phase of the 16-km
twinning project on Highway 104 outside Antigonish between Addington Forks
Road and Beech Hill Road will improve safety, ease congestion and cut
travel time for drivers. The Government of Canada will consider funding up
to a maximum of 50% of the eligible costs of the project, up to a maximum
of $25 million. Total costs of the first phase are estimated at $50
million. The Province of Nova Scotia has also announced its intention to
provide matching funding in support of this important highway improvement
plan. The overall cost of the project is approximately $94 million.
Federal financial support for the Highway 104 project is conditional on
the initiative meeting all applicable federal eligibility requirements
under the Building Canada infrastructure plan, including completion of a
full federal due diligence review of the project, successful completion of
any environmental assessments required under the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act, and signature of necessary contribution agreements for the
project.
The Framework Agreement sets the stage for a collaborative investment
in the infrastructure needs of Nova Scotia. Under this Agreement, $235.68
million from the Building Canada Fund will go towards infrastructure
initiatives in Nova Scotia. Of this amount, $37 million will be allocated
to smaller-scale projects in communities with populations of less than
100,000. As well, $198.68 million of the Building Canada Fund will be
dedicated to major infrastructure projects, particularly in priority areas
such as the National Highway System, transit, water and wastewater
treatment and green energy. This component will support investments in
Cape Breton and Halifax. Under the Framework Agreement, the Province of
Nova Scotia will also receive $25 million base funding annually, for a
total of $175 million through to 2014 for core infrastructure priorities
in Nova Scotia. A further $223.70 million will flow to Nova Scotia
municipalities through the extension of the Gas Tax Fund agreement from
2010 to 2014.
The Canada-Nova Scotia Framework Agreement outlines how the Building
Canada Plan will operate in the province. It also establishes a governance
framework through which the two governments will work together to identify
and address infrastructure priorities. Through the Agreement, the two
governments will also establish a mechanism for reporting to Canadians on
the results of these investments.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure
plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and
predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada.
Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better country.
For further information on the Building Canada plan, visit http://www.buildingcanada.gc.ca/
Contacts:
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities(613) 991-0700
Dan DugasDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of
National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(613) 996-8553
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148
Dan DavisCommunications AdvisorMinistry of Transportation and
Infrastructure RenewalGovernment of Nova Scotia(902) 424-8978
Joe GillisPremier's Office(902) 497-7263
