Thank you Marie, for that introduction. Very pleased to be here on behalf of Minister Cannon, who asks me to extend his regrets for not being here this evening.
I can think of very few organizations with a stronger connection to the interests of the Transport, Infrastructure and Communities portfolio than the members of the CCPE.
As engineers, you are the experts on the front lines of infrastructure issues and community development. Engineers are a key partner in dealing with infrastructure challenges.
I know that the CCPE has had a very close relationship with Infrastructure Canada, since the very beginnings of that department. I also know that this relationship has evolved and continues to evolve as infrastructure issues in Canada have emerged as a key priority for Canadians.
Dealing with infrastructure issues requires all orders of government and stakeholders such as the CCPE to work together. As I know you will agree, no one order of government or organization can address this alone.
The Government of Canada recognizes the need to contribute to funding infrastructure in our nation to respond to national priorities, at the same time as meeting regional needs.
That’s why this Government has announced an unprecedented $16.5 billion for infrastructure over the next four years, in our first budget.
However, financing infrastructure and advancing the state of Canada’s infrastructure MUST be done in partnership with provinces, territories and municipalities – which are responsible for delivering and maintaining the lion’s share of infrastructure on behalf of the citizens they serve.
This requires looking at long-term solutions – solutions that respect jurisdiction, achieve fiscal balance and are sustainable, and clearly accountable to Canadians.
As you know, this Government has made it clear that we are firmly committed to restoring the fiscal balance in Canada.
As part of this process, my minister, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, undertook consultations to discuss the federal role in infrastructure. This has been part of the broader consultations on fiscal balance led by the Minister of Finance.
As Marie Lemay has already noted, she represented your body at our recent meeting of stakeholder consultations. We were very pleased that your views have been brought to this discussion.
In fact, over the past few months, Minister Cannon and officials from our portfolio have engaged in a dialogue with provincial and territorial governments, as well as municipal representatives and with others.
They discussed the development of a predictable, long-term funding and accountability framework for infrastructure spending by all governments.
I know that in these discussions, we have heard about building more flexibility into the programs, and that rehabilitation and maintenance of existing infrastructure is as important as new infrastructure.
The CCPE has also been clear in terms of the value it sees in the National Round Table on Sustainable Infrastructure. I know that departmental officials are deeply involved in working with you on this approach.
In terms of the next steps for these consultations, Minister Cannon will continue to work with his colleagues, and with Finance Minister Flaherty, to deliver on our commitment to establish this long-term funding framework and Minister Cannon is also looking forward to setting out directions for the unprecedented amount of infrastructure funding announced in Budget 2006.
Canada’s new government has heard loud and clear the message from governments and stakeholders concerned about the state of infrastructure in Canada and about the need for investment.
Thank you.
