June 15, 2010

Gas Tax Funding Payments Accelerated For Second Year In A Row

Last week I was pleased to announce that our government is accelerating its payment of the Gas Tax Fund to municipalities for the second year in a row. Municipalities in Provencher will be receiving more than $4.7 million to help them make the most of the spring and summer construction season. This is part of our government’s Economic Action Plan which aims to boost employment and help communities emerge stronger than ever from the economic downturn.

In addition to accelerating the Gas Tax Fund, our government has also announced that the Gas Tax Fund will become a permanent measure to provide municipalities with long-term financial support. Municipalities across Canada will benefit from $2 billion annually after 2014, which is double the amount they were receiving in 2008.

Since the Gas Tax Fund now represents stable, long-term and predictable funding for municipalities, they are able to pool, bank or borrow against this funding for investments in municipal infrastructure including:

• roads and bridges
• public transit
• drinking water systems
• wastewater infrastructure
• green energy projects, and
• solid waste management.

We know that we must continue to work diligently to return Canada's economy to a strong position. That's why we are working with communities in Provencher, and across the country, to preserve and create jobs and boost the economy. Our government has listened to municipalities and we have cut the red tape involved in accessing funding available to them, meaning communities can accelerate infrastructure projects and help create local jobs.