Ottawa, Ontario, July 31, 2012 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), completed a series of provincial and territorial roundtables that took place over the summer to discuss the development of a new long-term plan for public infrastructure that will extend beyond the expiry of the current Building Canada plan in 2014.
"We have overwhelmingly heard from partners and stakeholders that we are on the right track,"
said Minister Lebel. "We have heard that there is a need for strong and sustained federal support for infrastructure and that we need to continue to work in partnership as we move forward. Looking ahead, we will establish a new long-term infrastructure plan to will build on our many successes and contribute to economic growth and job creation, and provide lasting benefits to Canadians."
Minister Lebel and Minister Fletcher met with representatives from the provinces, territories, and municipalities, as well as other key stakeholder groups. These in-depth discussions focused on broad directions and principles for a new long-term infrastructure plan for Canada.
"Sound infrastructure investments are foundational to the strength of our economy and can transform communities,"
said Minister Fletcher. "The Building Canada plan was an important step forward to ensure Canadians benefit from modern, world-class infrastructure. The next plan should be long-term, stable and flexible to keep our country strong, vibrant and competitive, and benefit all Canadians."
The Government of Canada is working with stakeholders to develop a new plan that will continue to deliver results for Canadians through long-term investment programs. This includes exploring opportunities that encourage greater private-sector involvement and public-private partnerships to generate better value for taxpayers, and ensure affordability and sustainability over the long term.
Infrastructure investments are a key element 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
