Advocacy in Support of New Long Term Federal Plan for Municipal Infrastructure Funding
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT AUMA endorses the FCM campaign and urges the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to work with FCM to ensure the new long-term infrastructure plan meets the core infrastructure needs of cities and communities.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT AUMA urges the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to ensure that the new long-term plan is fully in place when existing programs expire in 2014.
WHEREAS The Building Canada Plan and a number of important federal-provincial transfer agreements vital to Canada’s municipalities, will expire in March 2014;
WHEREAS Federal investments over the last few years have helped to slow the decline of our cities and communities, and the Government of Canada has committed to develop a new long-term plan for municipal infrastructure funding in consultation with municipal and provincial/territorial governments;
WHEREAS a seamless transition from the Building Canada Plan to a new long term plan is necessary to ensure that municipalities can continue planning their capital spending effectively;
WHEREAS The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has launched a campaign to ensure the new plan reflects municipal priorities across the country and asks its members to support this campaign; and
WHEREAS AUMA has been a strong advocate for the need for stable and flexible, long-term municipal infrastructure funding for Alberta’s urban municipalities.
Transportation - Dec 4, 2012
Work is continuing on the development of the new federal infrastructure plan, which is expected to come into effect in 2014 after the expiry of the Building Canada plan.
The steering committee for the new plan discussed water and wastewater infrastructure, including the impact of national wastewater regulations, the effect of climate change and the challenges of financing and funding capital and operating expenditures.
The first two phases of the development of the new plan are complete. Phase three is underway. It will engage stakeholders in discussions on broad principles for the next infrastructure plan.
Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities - December 12, 2012
In Budgets 2011 and 2012 the Federal Government committeed to a new long term infrastructure plan. Stakeholder consultations are well under way. The new Plan will also encourage greater private-sector involvement and P3s. By working together, we will ensure that Canada has the strong public infrastructure foundation it needs to grow and prosper.
AUMA accepts this response.