Federal government launches roundtables for infrastructure

Canada’s Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Denis Lebel, has announced that the government will be holding a series of roundtables this summer to consult with municipalities and others on how to develop a long term plan for infrastructure.

The confirmation during the announcement that the government will extend major funding for infrastructure beyond 2014 was received with relief by attendees at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ annual meeting in Saskatoon on June 1.

The current $33-billion Building Canada Plan is a seven-year plan that was announced in 2007 and is due to expire in 2014.

“I am pleased to launch these roundtables,” said Minister Lebel at the Saskatoon conference. “Working with our partners to understand the issues and priorities, and identify the principles for our next long-term plan, is a worthwhile investment in the future of Canada’s public infrastructure.”

Minister Lebel indicated that the government will be looking for more private sector involvement and public-private partnerships to build infrastructure.

“From large urban centres to rural townships, our new long-term infrastructure plan will promote job creation, economic prosperity and sustainable growth in communities from coast to coast to coast. I look forward to productive discussions over the summer,” he said.

The consultation process will also involve Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) along with officials from Infrastructure Canada, the provinces, territories, municipal associations and unnamed stakeholder groups.