An Historic Investment in Canada's Infrastructure

The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) commends the Government of Canada for its historic commitment of more than $120 billion over 10 years in infrastructure investments announced in its 2016 budget.

"The government's unprecedented investment recognizes the critical need to address Canada's growing infrastructure deficit in communities across the country." said Mark Romoff, CCPPP president and CEO. "There is ample evidence that investing in infrastructure generates significant returns – it creates good paying jobs, stimulates economic development and drives a globally competitive Canada." he added.

The government's $11.9 billion boost to municipal transit, housing and water treatment facilities over the next five years will improve the quality of life for millions of Canadians. The CCPPP also commends the forward thinking investment in broadband to bring high speed internet access to remote communities across the country.

It is particularly encouraging to see the government prepared to invest $8.4 billion to improve education and water quality infrastructure in Canada's Indigenous communities.

As Minister Morneau noted in his speech, these infrastructure commitments are long term investments offering long term value for Canadians. Experience has shown that to ensure the greatest benefit and efficient delivery of infrastructure requires an accountable and rigorous process. It is the kind of discipline built into public-private partnerships. Over a 10 year period,  P3s have not only demonstrated value for money, they have created more than 290,000 direct jobs, contributed $25.1 billion to Canada's GDP and generated $9.9 billion in savings to governments.

The CCPPP looks forward to working with the government in its next steps to help meet this ambitious infrastructure agenda.