None the less, it is a response and does outline Infrastructure spending going into 2011..
Dear Mr. xxxx
Thank you for your electronic correspondence of February 5, 2009, addressed to the Honourable Rob Merrifield, regarding federal infrastructure investment in a potential mining development in Northern Ontario.
Through Building Canada, the Government of Canada is taking action. We are making strategic investments in infrastructure that contribute to a growing economy, a cleaner environment, and strong and prosperous communities. The $33-billion Building Canada plan represents the largest federal commitment to public infrastructure ever.
In Budget 2009, the government committed to streamline approvals and accelerate investments under Building Canada. Also, Budget 2009 provides almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years. Significant new infrastructure investments designed to provide economic stimulus include:
* The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund ($4 billion), which will provide funding to provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure projects. Funding will be available for two years for projects begun and completed during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.
* The Green Infrastructure Fund ($1 billion), which will provide funding for the construction of new sustainable energy infrastructure and other green projects over five years.
* The Building Canada Communities Component, which has been increased by $500 million over the next two years for projects that can be built by 2011. The Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund provides targeted support to small communities.
Some of the components you propose could be eligible for funding under the following federal infrastructure programs:
* The $8.8-billion Building Canada Fund invests in critical national priorities, such as clean water, sewage treatment, the core National Highway System, public transit, and green energy, among other
categories. The Government of Canada and the provinces and territories are discussing priority infrastructure projects that could be approved soon so that we can make the most of the 2009 and 2010 construction season across Canada.
* Budget 2009 provides an additional $500 million to the $1.1-billion Communities Component. This additional funding will be made available for projects that can complete construction in the next two years. As is the case for all projects under the Communities Component, funding for these additional projects will be cost-shared with provinces and municipalities.
Intake one of the Communities Component in Ontario closed on November 21, 2008. The results were announced on February 13, 2009. I encourage you to visit www.bcfontario.ca/english/communitie... <http://www.bcfontario.ca/english/com... for more information on the status of the Communities Component in Ontario.
The project you propose could also potentially be considered for funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. This fund targets projects that can complete construction by March 31, 2011. This initiative will be structured to flow funding and get shovels in the ground quickly. We will be working with provinces, territories, and municipalities to approve projects and flow funds as quickly as possible. More details will be available in the coming weeks.
Other major elements of the Building Canada plan will continue to provide a source of long-term, predictable funding for municipalities. More than
50 percent of Building Canada, or $17.6 billion, goes to municipalities to fund their priorities, through the Gas Tax Fund, and through the GST Rebate. The Gas Tax transfer to municipal governments doubled on April 1, 2009 to $2 billion.
More information on all of Infrastructure Canada’s programs is available at www.infc.gc.ca/infc-eng.html <http://www.infc.gc.ca/infc-eng.html> .
This government is committed to building a modern public infrastructure for Canada.
Sincerely,
John Baird, P.C., M.P.
c.c. The Honourable Rob Merrifield, P.C., M.P.
