LETTER

Investing in rural communities

“Canada needs to invest to grow.”

 

William Amos, MP for the Pontiac Riding, expressed his optimism for rural communities following the recent Fall Economic Statement by Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

The update proposes new commitments of $81.2 billion through to 2027–28 in public transit, green and social infrastructure, transportation infrastructure that supports trade and rural and northern communities. In combination with the investments in Budget 2016, the Fall Economic Statement brings the total in infrastructure investments to more than $180 billion.

The federal government will also provide an additional $2 billion over 10 years in rural Canada.  Mr Amos sees this as the beginning of a long-term plan to rebuild the economies and infrastructure of rural communities.  “I have been advocating for the re-establishment of the Rural Secretariat, which would serve as a horizontal integrator of policy, program and communications regarding rural matters, across all federal departments. The $2 billion funding shows this government is committed to Canada’s rural communities and rural development,” stated Amos.   

Highlights  

Proposals  in the Fall Economic Statement:
•   Investing $81 billion in public transit, green and social infrastructure, transportation infrastructure to bring all Canadians, no matter where they live, good jobs, a cleaner environment, and thriving communities.
•   Investing up to $2 billion to support rural communities. Eligibility criteria will be established to recognize the distinct challenges in these communities and their infrastructure needs, from expanding roads and internet connectivity, to upgrading heating systems and pursuing renewable sources of energy to reduce reliance on diesel.
 •  Launching the new Canada Infrastructure Bank to provide financing for infrastructure projects and help more projects get built in Canada. The Bank will be responsible for investing at least $35 billion from the federal government into large infrastructure projects through loans, loan guarantees and equity investments. Part of this amount—$15 billion—will be sourced from funding for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation, and rural and northern communities.
•  Creating the Invest in Canada Hub, to promote Canada, and work with global companies to increase investment.  
•  Creating a Global Skills Strategy, supported by improvements to Canada’s immigration system, to help Canadian and international companies access the skills they need.
•  Strengthening the independence of Statistics Canada and the Parliamentary Budget Officer to provide unbiased evidence and analysis, and make government more open and transparent.

Said Mr Amos, “It’s good news for all Canadians, including those in rural Canada. I look forward to working with the Pontiac riding to build and expand our economy.”  

Audrey Bureau
Office of William Amos, MP,
Ottawa