Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and Premier of Quebec Philippe Couillard have confirmed the ratification of the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.
This agreement, with funding provided by the Canadian government, the province of Quebec and municipalities, will support public transit projects, as well as infrastructure projects that will provide improved water and wastewater systems.
"We are making investments that will improve the quality of life for our middle class now, while building a strong foundation for the sustainable economy of the future," noted Prime Minister Trudeau. "These investments will help provide the people of Quebec with clean and reliable water sources and with shorter commute times so they can spend more of their valuable time with their families. Through our solid partnership with Quebec, we are investing in our municipalities so that important shovel-ready infrastructure projects can proceed without delay."
Both governments say infrastructure investments are vital for creating middle class jobs and sustained economic growth for years to come.
The agreement will allow Quebec municipalities and public transit organizations to access more than CA$1.2 billion (US$924 million) in federal funding over the next three years to implement projects in all regions of Quebec. Combined with funding from the province and municipalities, more than CA$2.5 billion (US$1.9 billion) will be invested in infrastructure projects. Nearly CA$924 million (US$711 million) in federal funding will go to public transit projects.
"Quebec is the first province to conclude its agreement with the federal government regarding these two funds. This comprehensive agreement between our governments will make it easier to choose and manage projects, will reduce administrative delays and will get shovels in the ground faster. This first phase will support public transit organizations in their initiatives to improve their equipment and increase their service offerings. This will enable us to support capital projects that are designed to rehabilitate, optimize and modernize public transit infrastructures or to enhance efficiency, accessibility or safety," explained Premier Couillard.
This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the government's historic CA$120-billion (US$92-billion) plan to support infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years. Under the agreement, the Canadian government has made its funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, so projects can proceed without delay to help ensure a productive construction season this year.