/R E P E A T -- Canada's Infrastructure Minister tours Alberta and Ontario to announce investments that protect communities from the impacts of climate change/

EDMONTON, March 8, 2019 /CNW/ - Now more than ever, communities need help adapting to the frequent and intensifying weather events caused by climate change. Reducing the impact of natural disasters such as flooding is critical to keeping Canadian families safe, protecting local businesses and supporting a strong economy and middle class.

This week, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, will visit Alberta and Ontario to announce funding for projects that will help communities adapt to the intensifying impact of natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, or winter storms.

On March 11^th, Minister Champagne will be in Edmonton to make important infrastructure funding announcements. He will also meet with local business leaders and tour the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' training centre.

On March 12^th, Minister Champagne will make important funding announcements in Drumheller and Calgary. He will also meet with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi to discuss the benefits that infrastructure investments are having on Calgary communities.

On March 13^th, Minister Champagne will announce climate-adapting investments in Canmore and Calgary. He will also tour the Willow Ridge Community Facility in Calgary to see the improvements underway thanks to federal investments.

On March 14^th, Minister Champagne will be in Toronto to make an important infrastructure announcement that will help residents from the GTA to cope with the consequences of climate change.

On March 15^th, Minister Champagne will be in Aurora to make additional announcements about climate-adapting investments.

Quotes

"Climate change is having a serious impact on Canadians across the country. Forest fires, floods and heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent events that put at risk the safety of Canadians and their communities. That is why our government is investing to help communities withstand the intensifying impacts of climate change. These investments will help to protect the lives and livelihoods of Canadians. Together, we are building Canada now for a sustainable future".

—François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada's Investing in Canada plan is providing more than $180 billion over 12 years for public infrastructure across the country.
• In partnership with provincial and municipal leaders, the Government of Canada is investing in public transit; green infrastructure such as water systems; community, culture and recreational infrastructure; and public infrastructure in rural and northern communities.
• The Government of Canada's Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is a 10-year, $2-billion national program designed to help communities better withstand current and future risks of natural hazards. DMAF will support large-scale infrastructure projects with a minimum cost of $20 million.

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: or to arrange an interview with the Minister, please contact: Ann-Clara Vaillancourt, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-697-3778, [email protected]

Related Links

www.infrastructure.gc.ca