Building stronger communities across Quebec with federal Gas Tax Fund

First of two annual funding transfers now available for more than 1160 communities across the province

QUEBEC CITY, Aug. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in modern, efficient public infrastructure is key to promoting economic growth, strengthening the middle class and developing healthy sustainable communities.

The Government of Canada delivered the first of two $252 million annual installments of the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) to Quebec. In total, the province will be provided with over $504 million this year through the fund.

The GTF is a long-term, indexed source of funding that supports local infrastructure projects across the province each year. In Magog, GTF funds were used to restore Maison Merry, a cultural space dedicated to preserving and celebrating Quebec heritage through a variety of exhibitions and activities that tell the history of Magog, the Eastern Townships, and local Indigenous people. In Longueuil, the funds supported major repairs to municipal infrastructure, including road rehabilitation on Gaétan-Boucher Boulevard and a section of Chemin de Chambly. In Saint-Isidore, residents have access to new drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that is ensuring the sustainability of water services and helping preserve the environment.

Local roads, culture and water systems are only three of the 18 project categories eligible for funding under the program. This wide range demonstrates the flexibility of the GTF in allowing communities to direct their allocations to their most pressing local needs.

Quotes

"Local governments know best what their communities need, and the Government of Canada is proud to deliver stable, long-term funding that they count on to develop and maintain their public infrastructure. By investing in our communities, the Government of Canada is promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability, strengthening the middle class and helping ensure all Canadians have access to the opportunities they need to succeed."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The Québec government is investing in all regions by providing support so municipalities can realize their public infrastructure projects. Locally, these investments generate significant spin-offs for the economy, the development and vitality of our regions, and the quality of life of our citizens. Together, we are working to enhance public services for the community while creating enjoyable and prosperous environments. "

Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Montréal Region

Quick Facts

• Funding of more than $ 5.3 billion has been provided to Quebec communities under the federal Gas Tax Fund since the program was launched in 2005. Funding is provided to communities through the provincial government.
• Communities can invest across 18 different project categories. They can also use the funds immediately for priority projects, bank them for later use, pool the dollars with other communities for shared infrastructure projects or use them to finance major infrastructure expenditures.
• Through its Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• The 2018-2028 Quebec Infrastructure Plan calls for nearly $7.3 billion in investments in municipal infrastructure under the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy (MAMOT). When combined with contributions from the Government of Canada and municipalities, this means more than $14.3 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec during this period.

Related product

2018-2019 federal Gas Tax Fund allocations in Quebec by community: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2018/08/quebecs-201819-federal-gas-tax-fund-allocations.html

Associated links

Investing in Canada, Canada's long-term infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Quebec:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

For further information about the Federal Gas Tax Fund and Quebec's contribution for 2014-2018: http://www.mamot.gouv.qc.ca/infrastructures/programme-de-transfert/programme-de-la-taxe-sur-lessence-et-de-la-contribution-du-quebec-2014-2018-tecq/ (French only).

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Contacts: Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: [phone], Email: [e-mail]; Alexandre Boulé, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Montréal Region, Tel.: [phone]; For Information: Infrastructure Canada, Tel.: [phone], Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [e-mail]; Media Relations Team: Communications Directorate, Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Department of Public Safety, Tel.: [phone], ext. 3746

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/