Federal government promises new infrastructure plan will deliver long-term solutions (30/11/2011)

Today municipal leaders are applauding the Government of Canada for launching a new infrastructure planning process that promises to stop the decline in Canada's aging municipal infrastructure and build the roads, bridges, water and transit systems the country needs to support families, businesses and economic growth.

"Today the federal government told Canadians that it is committed to fixing the cracks in our country's economic foundations, and making sure that Canadians have the infrastructure they need to build their businesses and raise their families," said Berry Vrbanovic, FCM President. "This is a promise to put aside band aid solutions, and find the cure for the infrastructure deficit once and for all."

In recent years, the federal government has started working with municipalities to repair the damage done to Canada's municipal infrastructure by decades of underinvestment and offloading. Under the Economic Action Plan, federal, municipal, and provincial-territorial governments worked together to streamline funding approvals, cut red tape, and put hundreds of thousands of Canadians to work rebuilding local streets, watermains, sewer pipes, and community centres.　

"Our combined efforts in fighting the recession proved that governments work best when they work together," said Vrbanovic. "Today's launch is one big step toward more common sense cooperation in Ottawa and protecting core investments in Canada's infrastructure when today's programs expire in 2014."

Today the government laid out a clear timetable, with firm milestones, to make sure the government is ready to replace the Building Canada Plan in 2014 with a new generation of long-term infrastructure investments. The process is the result of a growing partnership between federal, municipal, provincial and territorial governments.

"In the last few years, federal and municipal governments have worked more closely than ever to fight the economic crisis and rebuild Canada's aging roads, bridges, and water systems," said Vrbanovic. "Together, we can tear down the silos that prevent us from serving taxpayers in the best way possible. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Canada."