March 21, 2007

I am happy that my colleagues, Minister Flaherty and Minister Baird, are able to join us today. I would also like to congratulate Minister Flaherty on presenting a budget that will build a stronger, safer and better Canada.

The time for action is now and today I'm here to provide more detail on a very important part of Budget 2007. On Monday we announced that Canada's New Government is helping Canadians to help the environment through the creation of a new rebate of up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new fuel efficient vehicle.

The ecoAUTO rebate will make the decision to buy a new fuel efficient vehicle easier. That's good for both the environment and the finances of anyone who buys a fuel efficient vehicle.

It just makes sense.

Canada's New Government is helping put environmental sustainability into the price range of working Canadians.

Manufacturers already offer a number of vehicles that qualify for the federal consumer cash incentive. It includes many of the cars you see around us today, such as some hybrid vehicles and other fuel efficient vehicles.

We're taking these steps today because we know transportation has an important role to play when it comes to the environment. It's no secret that the transportation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions as well as smog. It stands to reason that if we are part of the problem, we must be part of the solution.

That's why the ecoAUTO program is only one step we're taking to address our environmental responsibilities. It's part of the larger ecoTransport Strategy that we unveiled recently.

Ladies and gentlemen, we're building on a record of action.

That's why, through Budget 2007, we are helping individual Canadians and communities to do their part in building a stronger Canada. Budget 2007 makes a historic investment of more than $16 billion over seven years in infrastructure - bringing federal support under a new long-term plan for infrastructure to a total of $33 billion, including the funding provided in Budget 2006.

This new long-term plan is a direct result of our consultations with the provinces, territories and municipalities last summer. It is a significant investment and includes extending the Gas Tax Fund transfer, for a total of $8 billion - that is more funds, and an extended period. This money will be used for municipal priorities including roads, public transportation, and clean water.

We will also be extending the tax credit for public transit passes to innovative fare products, such as electronic fare cards and weekly passes when used on an ongoing basis.

This is open federalism in action. We are answering public transit and infrastructure needs, for small communities and larger cities. We are making long-term predictable funding available to them. Provinces and municipalities will be able to allocate these funds to real results for Canadians. Cleaner air, shorter commute times, cleaner water.

Provinces and municipalities are in the best position to establish their priorities and deliver these funds where they are needed the most. Budget 2007 is sustainable, affordable and fair, and recognizes that all governments are accountable to Canadians - and must deliver results.

Together we will build a healthier, a stronger and a more prosperous Canada.

Thank you.