Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, July 31, 2012 – The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), met today with the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce to provide an update on the development of a new long-term plan for public infrastructure beyond 2014. Minister Fletcher and the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, held a series of in-depth discussions over the course of the summer to discuss the direction and principles for a new long-term plan.
"These roundtables brought together federal, provincial and territorial ministers, the municipal sector and other partners to have real conversations about the principles and direction of a new plan for infrastructure,"
said Minister Fletcher. "Our government is delivering on the commitment we made in Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012 to work collaboratively to develop a long-term infrastructure plan that will continue to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity beyond the expiry of the Building Canada plan in 2014."
"We heard from our partners that there is a need for strong and sustainable federal support in public infrastructure and moving forward, we must continue to work collaboratively. Past investments in projects such as upgrades to the Diefenbaker Canada Centre have contributed to the promotion of the tourism industry and the enrichment of Saskatchewan's cultural landscape. Our government is committed to delivering a new long-term infrastructure plan that will increase the potential for innovation and economic development, and that will leverage private sector investments for the public good."
Infrastructure investments are a key element of the Government of Canada's plan to support job creation, 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:
Brayden Akers
Office of the Minister of State (Transport)
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
