Transfer of part of the Gasoline Excise Tax revenue 2010-2014
Sainte-Marie, Quebec, August 23, 2010 – The Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, and Minister responsible for the region of Chaudière‑Appalaches, Laurent Lessard, and the Member of Parliament for Beauce, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, are pleased to announce that 21 municipalities in the Beauce region will receive $17,041,573 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, energy efficiency improvements of buildings and public transit.
“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 MP Bernier, on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. “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.”
“New funding will be available to municipalities during the 2010–2014 period under the Gasoline Excise Tax Fund and from Quebec’s contribution. A total of $2.1 billion in government funding will be available during the term of the program. These new funding measures will help the 21 municipalities in Beauce-Nord to plan their local infrastructure expenditures based on their needs and priorities. It is an excellent opportunity for the municipalities to obtain 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 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 $2.8 billion, with $2.1 billion for drinking water, wastewater, road networks, solid waste management and energy efficiency improvements of buildings as well as $700 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
Caroline Saint-Pierre
Communications Directorate
Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
418‑691-2015
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
