Laying the Foundation for Canada's Future: Moving forward with Provinces and Territories on Phase 1

In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada announced an infrastructure plan that commits to smart, strategic investments that will grow Canada's economy and improve the lives of Canadians. We believe that infrastructure is not an end in itself – it is the means with which we build a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable country. It goes beyond concrete and water pipes; it is what allows Canadians to get to work on time and return home to their families faster at night, it helps victims of domestic violence find shelter, and it provides facilities for kids to exercise, learn and build the networks that will support them throughout their lives.

Infrastructure Canada is moving quickly to implement Phase 1of an historic plan to invest more than $120 billion in infrastructure over 10 years. On April 22, one month after Budget 2016 was presented to Canadians, Minister Amarjeet Sohi wrote to his provincial and territorial counterparts to continue the discussions that will lead to the signature of bilateral agreements, allowing funding to be transferred to provinces and territories under the new programs.

These letters outlined the government's plan to accelerate federal investments in the short term by providing funding for projects that rehabilitate and modernize public infrastructure while encouraging economic growth. In addition to providing details on the new programs introduced in Budget 2016 – including the amounts for each province and territory under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, as well as a more generous cost sharing for projects – Minister Sohi outlines the changes that were made to existing programs to make them more flexible and responsive, reduce unnecessary administrative burden and streamline approvals.

In keeping with the Government of Canada's commitment to openness and transparency, copies of the 13 letters are available below.