Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, June 1, 2012 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the start of roundtables with provincial, territorial and municipal partners and key stakeholders to guide the development of a new long-term plan for public infrastructure beyond 2014.
Minister Lebel made the announcement during his address at the 75th Annual Conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) — the largest annual gathering of senior municipal officials from across Canada.
"I am pleased to launch these roundtables,"
said Minister Lebel. "Working with our partners to understand the issues and priorities, and identify the principles for our next long-term plan, is a worthwhile investment in the future of Canada's public infrastructure."
Constructive discussions are an important part of the process to develop a new long-term plan for infrastructure beyond the expiry of the Building Canada Plan in 2014. The new plan will focus on investments that support long-term economic growth and prosperity, while encouraging greater private sector involvement and public-private partnerships to generate better value for taxpayers, and ensure affordability and sustainability over the long term.
"Our Government recognizes the importance of modern, efficient infrastructure in Canada, and we will continue to invest in public infrastructure to support a competitive economy, build liveable communities and improve the quality of life for Canadians,"
Minister Lebel told the FCM. "From large urban centres to rural townships, our new long-term infrastructure plan will promote job creation, economic prosperity and sustainable growth in communities from coast to coast to coast. I look forward to productive discussions over the summer."
The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), along with officials from Infrastructure Canada, will also meet with provinces, territories, municipal associations and stakeholder groups to further inform the process.
Infrastructure investments are a key part of the Government of Canada's plan to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians. The seven-year, $33-billion Building Canada Plan, introduced in Budget 2007, was Canada's first-ever long-term infrastructure plan. The Building Canada Plan will continue to deliver results for communities until 2014 and beyond. The new long-term plan will build on past accomplishments and provide new opportunities for all orders of government to work together to improve public infrastructure in Canada.
For further information on the engagement process, please visit: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html.
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
