Prime Minister, Premier announce Canada-B.C. agreement to launch Building Canada plan

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Gordon Campbell, joined by federal Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon, today signed a federal-provincial agreement under the historic Building Canada Plan. British Columbia becomes the first province to sign on to the new national infrastructure plan, which provides more funding, over a longer period of time, to restore and upgrade Canada’s transportation assets than any previous federal infrastructure initiative.

“British Columbia will now be assured predictable funding to restore and upgrade infrastructure systems,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Building Canada is about investing in our country’s future. It’s about a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and more prosperous communities.”

The framework agreement signed by the Prime Minister and the Premier will provide the province with $2.2 billion over seven years to invest in roads, bridges, tunnels, ports, public transit and more, including the Pacific Gateway initiative, which is key to ensuring that B.C. and Canada benefit from burgeoning economic activity in the Asia-Pacific region. The Government of Canada is investing $33 billion nationally in infrastructure projects that matter to individual Canadians, families and communities.

“I thank Prime Minister Harper for working with us to make B.C. the first province to sign onto the Building Canada Fund that will help meet the needs of a growing population and strong economy,” said Premier Campbell. “These funds will be used on a cost-sharing basis to support provincial infrastructure priorities including transportation; tourism; public transit; green energy; and waste, water systems.”

The Prime Minister and Premier Campbell made the announcement on the Trans-Canada Highway in the Kicking Horse Pass. The federal government will contribute $64.2 million for upgrades and improvements to the highway in the region.

“The upgrades will ensure that commercial traffic keeps moving efficiently and people keep getting to their destinations safely,” said Prime Minister Harper.

Building Canada web site