Transfer of part of the Gasoline Excise Tax revenue 2010-2014
Irlande, Quebec, July 8, 2010 – The Minister of Natural Resources of Canada, the Honourable Christian Paradis, and the Member of the National Assembly for Frontenac, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region, Laurent Lessard, are pleased to announce that 16 municipalities of Frontenac will receive $14,319,929 through the federal-provincial agreement on the transfer of a portion of federal gasoline excise tax revenues and the Quebec government's contribution. These funds will be used for public transit and to carry out major infrastructure projects.
The objective of the federal-provincial agreement on the transfer of a portion of federal gasoline excise tax revenues signed by Quebec and the federal government in 2005 is to provide funding for the renewal of municipal and local infrastructure, focusing on sustainable development and particularly for drinking water, wastewater, local road networks, solid waste management and energy efficiency improvements of buildings.
“Our government is proud of its commitment to provide stable, long-term funding to each municipality to support infrastructure projects that will make a difference in the lives of local residents,” declared Minister Paradis. “In 2008, our government responded to the call from municipalities by announcing the extension of the Gas Tax Fund and by doubling the transfer to $2 billion per year across the country. This support will help create jobs and improve the quality of life of Canadians.”
”From 2010-2014, through the federal Gas Tax Fund and Quebec’s contribution, new funding is available to municipalities. The available government assistance totals $2.1 billion across the life of the program. These new funding measures will help the 16 municipalities of Frontenac to plan their investments in their local infrastructure based on their needs and priorities. It is an excellent opportunity for the municipalities to gain access to a stable, reliable and predictable source of funding to carry out projects that are essential to the development of our communities and improving the quality of life of residents,” explained Minister Laurent Lessard.
Since 2005, Quebec has received $1.151 billion from the Gas Tax Fund, delivered by Infrastructure Canada, in addition to the Quebec government’s contribution of $475.7 million. During the 2010–2014 period, Quebec can expect to receive total funding of $2.6 billion, with $2.1 billion for drinking water, wastewater and road networks as well as $500 million for public transit. The funds are delivered by the Société de financement des infrastructures locales du Québec (SOFIL).
Contacts:
Jacques Fauteux
Office of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Canada
613-991-0700
Sylvain Bourassa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
418 691-2050
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Caroline Saint-Pierre
Communications Directorate
Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
418-691-2015
