A $ 75B commitment to infrastructure

Re: “Gushing water, crumbling streets” ( Opinion, Feb. 17)

Since 2006, Canada has consistently led G7 countries in infrastructure funding as a rate of GDP. This is in stark contrast with the Liberal years. In fact, I was a mayor when Paul Martin was prime minister, and I remember the ad hoc, unpredictable and insufficient nature of that government’s so- called infrastructure programs.

While MP Francis Scarpaleggia is now apparently deploring the fact that we have put forward a long- term plan, it should be well understood that this is what cities and stakeholders have been longing for.

Our government’s commitment to infrastructure represents $ 75 billion over the next 10 years. It is the largest, and longest, federal infrastructure plan in Canada’s history.

Moreover, billions of dollars from our past infrastructure plan continue to flow to important projects across the nation, which are improving communities in every region.

We also recognize the utmost importance of water infrastructure projects in this country. In Montreal alone, we have provided over $ 94 million in funding for water infrastructure projects since 2007.

It must also be noted that it is up to the province to prioritize projects for federal funding consideration.

We are making these infrastructure investments while keeping tax levels at the lowest level since John Diefenbaker was prime minister.

The Harper government is committed to investing in public infrastructure to reduce commuting times for families, enhance our economic productivity, and encourage job creation and economic growth across Canada. Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, Ottawa