June 4, 2018
Canada and Manitoba to Make Significant Investments that Will Improve the Lives of Canadians
– – –Supporting new projects that build prosperous communities and transition to a clean growth economy
Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 4, 2018—The governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together to make long-term infrastructure investments that will create jobs and economic growth, build inclusive communities and support a low-carbon, green economy – leading to a higher quality of life for all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Honourable Jeff Wharton, Minister of Municipal Relations, announced the signing of a bilateral agreement that will provide more than $1.1 billion in federal funding through the Investing in Canada plan over the next decade for infrastructure projects. These projects will be cost-shared with the Manitoba government, municipalities and other partners.
This new funding will see the Government of Canada and the government of Manitoba make unprecedented investments in public transit, green infrastructure, recreational, cultural, and community infrastructure, as well as rural and northern communities.
These investments will have benefits for people in communities across the province including:
• faster commutes and travel times for more people, and easier movement of goods for businesses;
• 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; and
• better transportation and digital infrastructure for people living in remote communities.
Across Canada, more than $33 billion in federal funding will be invested through 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.
Quotes
“Long-term investments in infrastructure connect people, create good jobs for the middle class, and support our economy. This new agreement with Manitoba will provide the long-term predictable funding to meet the needs of all Manitobans, from those living in busy city centres to remote rural towns. We will continue to work with our provincial, municipal and Indigenous partners to make strategic investments in Manitoba that will build inclusive resilient communities where everyone has opportunities to succeed.” — The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
“This landmark agreement paves the way for continued, historic levels of infrastructure investment in new priority projects right across Manitoba. We look forward to working in partnership with the federal government, municipalities, non-profits, Indigenous and northern communities to identify priority projects that strengthen Manitoba’s economy, improve our global competitiveness and revitalize our communities. This new agreement will deliver lasting benefits to Manitobans and enhance our government’s commitment to fair say for municipalities as we work to make Manitoba Canada’s most improved province.” — The Honourable Jeff Wharton, Minister of Municipal Relations.
“On behalf of all municipalities, the AMM welcomes the signing of the Canada-Manitoba integrated bilateral agreement and historic investments that will be made in Manitoba under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The AMM is extremely pleased to continue participating on the review committee for the various infrastructure funding streams. The impacts over the next 10 years will significantly benefit all Manitoba municipalities as we work together to deliver shared infrastructure priorities and outcomes to build stronger communities.” — Chris Goertzen, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM).
Quick Facts
• 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 nearly 3,500 projects across Canada worth a combined investment of more than $8.9 billion, including more than 100 projects worth more than $325 million in Manitoba.
• As part of the Plan, 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.
• The federal cost-share under the rural and northern infrastructure stream was increased from 50 per cent to 60 per cent on Feb. 16, 2018. With this increase, provincial communities with fewer than 5,000 residents will be eligible to receive a higher proportion of federal funding to address their unique infrastructure needs. Indigenous communities in the provinces will be eligible for a federal cost share of up to 75 per cent.
• This marks the ninth new long-term infrastructure agreement the Government of Canada has signed with provincial and territorial partners.
• In October, the provincial government unveiled its Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan – a bold new vision for building a prosperous green economy, reducing carbon emissions, preserving natural and healthy ecosystems, and protecting the region’s water. The Manitoba government is moving ahead with this plan and is dedicated to becoming Canada’s cleanest, greenest, most climate-resilient province.
Associated Links
Government of Canada’s $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan:
www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html
Investing in Canada plan project map: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Manitoba: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/mb-eng.html
Manitoba Climate and Green Plan: www.gov.mb.ca/climateandgreenplan
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2018/06/BG-IBA_Signing-MR.doc