July 7, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTING IN LABRADOR WATER AND WASTE WATER TREATMENT

JULY 7^TH, 2016

Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, is pleased to announce federal funding for Labrador municipalities towards water and waste water treatment infrastructure. All funding is cost shared by Federal, ‎Provincial and Municipal Governments.

“The Government of Canada laid out an historic plan in Budget 2016 to invest more than $120 billion in infrastructure over the next ten years. I am very proud of this plan which promises to help further accelerate economic growth and create jobs here in Labrador and across the country, and help us build strong, inclusive and sustainable communities.” – MP Jones

With the signing of the bilateral agreement between the federal government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, over $150M in infrastructure projects are now moving forward across the province.

Through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, the federal government will provide the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with $70.6M for investments focused on meeting immediate priorities for clean water and wastewater to support a cleaner and healthier environment for communities.

The total phase one federal funding for Labrador water and waste water is over $7 Million towards total project costs of over $15million cost shared with the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

QUOTES

“These investments will help towns provide water and waste water treatment to residents,” said Jones. “Many communities across Labrador applied under this first phase of funding and these 15 projects will provide investment in all 4 regions of Labrador. I am very happy to see both the federal and provincial governments stepping up to support the needs of the Labrador Region.” 

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Labrador MHA’s, Municipal Affairs Minister Eddie Joyce, and my federal colleague, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi, to provide these investments in Labrador.” Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador

“Infrastructure is the foundation of the Canada we want to build for tomorrow. The Government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support infrastructure and create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today. We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador which will make over $75 million in federal funding available and allow communities across the province to address their specific infrastructure priorities.”– The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“These investments will benefit communities in my district for years to come. With nearly $3.5 million going towards seven projects in five communities in Cartwright – L’Anse au Clair, I am very glad to see these long-needed upgrades getting the green light. It is encouraging to see this level of intergovernmental co-operation and commitment to improving quality of life for communities in our province.” – ‎MHA Lisa Dempster

“These are important investments for communities on the north coast and I am pleased to work with MP Jones and the north coast councils to deliver on these important water and sewer projects” – MHA Randy Edmunds

“The three projects for the Town of Labrador City in this announcement will mean that more than $7 million will be invested in much-needed waste water and storm sewer improvements for the town. I am very pleased that through the cooperation of all three levels of government this will provide improved infrastructure and employment for the region.” – Graham Letto, MHA Labrador West.

“It is a priority for all levels of government to ensure that water and waste water issues are being addressed. This investment in the town of HVGB will complement the work that has been ongoing in the community and I am pleased that our government is sharing in this investment.” Minister Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville

ASSOCIATED LINKS

To learn more about Budget 2016: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2016/docs/plan/ch2-en.html#_Toc446106678

To learn more about the Government of Canada’s 10-year $120 billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

For a complete list of Phase 1 projects across the province: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/pt-sp/ptt-tsp-eng.html

To see details on federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/nl-eng.html.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Brandon Pardy
Legislative/communications
Yvonne Jones
613-222-1735
[email protected]
Yjones.liberal.ca

Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
[email protected]

Nancy O’Connor
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-689-1825
[email protected]

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web site: Infrastructure Canada

BACKGROUND

In Budget 2016, the Government will implement an historic plan to invest more than $120 billion in infrastructure over 10 years to help create jobs, foster long term economic growth and to grow the middle class.

Key Points:
• The Government’s infrastructure plan will start with an immediate down payment on this plan, including:‎
• More than $3 billion to upgrade and improve public transit systems across Canada.‎
• $5 billion for investments in water, wastewater and green infrastructure projects across Canada.
• More than $3 billion for social infrastructure including affordable housing, early learning and child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure and community health care facilities on reserve.
• We will continue to make available approximately $3 billion each year for municipal infrastructure projects through the Gas Tax Fund and the incremental Goods and Services Tax Rebate for Municipalities.
• We will be accelerating spending from the $9 billion in available funding under the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component and other existing infrastructure programs.
• We will also transfer remaining uncommitted funds from older federal infrastructure programs to municipalities through the Gas Tax Fund in 2016-17; this will ensure funds are directed towards high priority municipal infrastructure projects.