Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to make significant investments that will improve the lives of Canadians

Press Release

Over $555 million available for projects that build prosperous communities and transition to a clean growth economy

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, September 10, 2018—The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to make long-term infrastructure investments to create economic growth and well-paid middle-class jobs, build inclusive communities, and support a low carbon green economy—leading to a higher quality of life for all Canadians.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl; and the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the signing of a bilateral agreement under the Investing in Canada plan that will provide more than $555 million in federal funding over the next decade for infrastructure projects. The projects supported through this agreement will involve contributions from the provincial government, municipalities and other partners.

The Investing in Canada plan will see the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador make unprecedented investments in public transit, green infrastructure, recreational cultural, and community infrastructure, as well as rural and northern communities.

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
• 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.

Quotes

“I am very pleased to join Newfoundland and Labrador today for the signing of this agreement as part of our Investing in Canada plan. This funding will make a real difference to Newfoundland and Labrador communities. Residents will enjoy safer roads and highways, improved water and wastewater facilities, and will benefit from new green infrastructure. Long-term investments in infrastructure are key to building a strong Canada–connecting people, creating good jobs for the middle class, and building inclusive communities that will remain competitive in today’s economy and over the next century.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Infrastructure investments are vital to the health and wellbeing of all those living and working in Newfoundland and Labrador. This new funding will create good jobs, grow businesses, and provide our province with clean and reliable drinking water, increased green infrastructure, improved recreational and cultural opportunities, and more reliable community services.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl

“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador values our collaborative working relationship with the Federal Government as we continue to ensure that residents are directly benefiting from high quality municipal infrastructure. As we have outlined in The Way Forward, our government continues to leverage all available sources of federal funding, including the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, to maximize investments that will achieve greater efficiency, strengthen the province’s economic foundation, enhance services, and improve outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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 $9.9 billion.
• 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.
• This marks the twelfth new long-term infrastructure agreement the Government of Canada has signed with provincial and territorial partners.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to make significant investments that will improve the lives of Canadians

Associated links

• Investing in Canada – Canada’s long-term infrastructure plan
• Investing in Canada plan project map
• Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador

Contacts

Kate Monfette
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-301-0894
kate.monfette@canada.ca

Michelle Cannizzaro
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca

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