The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Quebec, Philippe Couillard, confirmed the ratification of the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.
This agreement—with funding provided by the Government of Canada, the Province of Quebec, and municipalities—will support public transit projects, as well as projects that will provide improved water and wastewater systems, in order that Quebec families may benefit from modernized infrastructure.
The agreement will allow Quebec municipalities and public transit organizations to access more than $1.2 billion in federal funding over the next three years to implement projects in all regions of Quebec. Combined with funding from the province and municipalities, more than $2.5 billion will be invested in infrastructure projects.
“These investments will help provide the people of Quebec with clean and reliable water sources, and with shorter commute times so they can spend more of their valuable time with their families” says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Through our solid partnership with Quebec, we are investing in our municipalities so that important shovel-ready infrastructure projects can proceed without delay.”
In practical terms, nearly $924 million in federal funding will go to public transit projects, while $364 million will be earmarked for projects related to clean water and wastewater treatment.
“Quebec is the first province to conclude its agreement with the federal government regarding these two funds,” says Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard. “This comprehensive agreement between our governments will make it easier to choose and manage projects, will reduce administrative delays and will get shovels in the ground faster. This first phase will support public transit organizations in their initiatives to improve their equipment and increase their service offerings.”