Ottawa, Ontario, February 9, 2012 — The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today outlined the government’s commitment to the economy, as well as the role that the public transit sector can play in ensuring that Canada’s economy continues to produce jobs and growth in a difficult global economy. His remarks were made before several members of the Canadian Urban Transit Association who were meeting in Ottawa.
“Canadians gave our government a strong mandate to remain focused on jobs and economic growth, while reducing the deficit and returning to balanced budgets in the medium term,” said Minister Lebel. “Since 2006, we have made significant investments in public transit projects across Canada, and we will continue to invest in modern and effective transportation infrastructure to improve quality of life for Canadians and help communities prosper now, and for decades to come.”
Minister Lebel also provided CUTA members with an overview of the federal engagement process that is bringing together the Government of Canada, provinces, territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and others key stakeholders such as CUTA to develop a new long-term plan for public infrastructure beyond the expiry of the Building Canada Plan in 2014. The three-phased process will take stock of accomplishments to date, identify priorities, and confirm the principles for Canada’s next long-term infrastructure plan. Ministerial discussions will begin later this year.
For information, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
