On August 16, 2018, the federal government of Canada and the provincial government of Prince Edward Island announced that they are working together to make long-term infrastructure investments that will revitalize the economy via well-paid middle-class jobs, via inclusive redevelopment of communities, and via renewal of old “grey” infrastructure and the creation of new green infrastructure that creates a low carbon, green economy–leading to a higher quality of life.
“Long-term investments in infrastructure are key to creating jobs and new opportunities for the middle class, as well as laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term economic growth in Canada. I am very pleased to join Prince Edward Island today for the signing of this agreement as part of our Investing in Canada plan. Islanders will enjoy safer roads and highways, improved water and wastewater facilities, and will benefit from new green infrastructure. These investments will build strong, resilient and inclusive communities that will remain competitive in today’s economy and over the next century,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
Champagne joined Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the H. Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island; and Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Member of Parliament for Cardigan in signing a new bilateral agreement under the Investing in Canada plan that will provide more than $366 million in federal funding over the next decade for infrastructure projects. The projects supported through this agreement will be cost-shared with the provincial government, municipalities and other partners.
The Investing in Canada plan will see the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island make unprecedented investments in green infrastructure, recreational and cultural infrastructure, rural and northern community infrastructure, and public transit.
These investments will make a positive difference in communities, such as:
- cleaner air and water;
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions;
- smarter and more efficient cities;
- sustainable water management;
- enhanced public parks, recreational facilities and other spaces that make communities great places to live;
- better transportation and digital infrastructure for people living in remote communities; and
- faster commute and travel time for more people, and easier movement of goods for businesses.
Across Canada, more than $33 billion in federal funding will be invested through these new bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. Provinces and territories will develop three-year plans that will provide information on how they will implement their infrastructure projects.
Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Under the first phase of the plan, Infrastructure Canada has approved over 3,540 projects across Canada worth a combined investment of more than $9.9 billion.
As reported earlier here in REVITALIZATION, Infrastructure Canada will deliver $33 billion over the next decade through new bilateral agreements with provinces and territories under four funding streams:
- $20.1 billion for public transit;
- $9.2 billion for green infrastructure;
- $1.3 billion for community, cultural and recreational infrastructure; and
- $2 billion for wide-ranging infrastructure needs in rural and northern communities.
This marks the eleventh new long-term infrastructure agreement the Government of Canada has signed with provincial and territorial partners.
Photo of Prince Edward Island by Storm Cunningham.