Latest news with #InfrastructureandCommunities
Global News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Global News
Just before the election, Liberals handed out 411 cheques worth $3.86B
In the final week before the 45th general election got underway, Liberal MPs engaged in a pre-election spending blitz, announcing $3.86 billion in funding commitments for 411 different projects across the country, a Global News analysis shows. Press releases and announcements about those funding commitments were made by 38 different Liberal MPs in that final week, who handed out cheques in 37 different communities across the country, from Yellowknife to Winnipeg to St. John's. On the day before the election started alone, 26 different MPs were busy handing $1.8 billion worth of cheques to support 116 different projects across the country. And yet, that's been the pattern since the for each of the last four Parliaments during which Global News has maintained a database of every spending commitment made by one Conservative government and three Liberal governments. The information on more than 67,000 projects funded is extracted from the press releases issued by government departments whenever a government MP announces a federal grant or contribution. Story continues below advertisement In the final week before the 2021 election, which produced a Liberal minority, Liberals MP pushed out $30.3 billion in spending commitments for 495 projects. But the Conservatives did it too ahead of the 2015 election, which produce a Liberal majority, when Conservative MPs handed out 430 cheques in the final week for that year's election totalling $2.7 billion. For the entire length of the four-year-long 44th Parliament, Liberal MPs announced 22,290 projects that received or were to receive federal funding. The combined federal funding commitment for those projects totaled just over $110 billion. The biggest projects to receive federal funds in the final week of the 44th Parliament were two transit projects in Quebec — the Quebec City Tramway and the Blue Line extension in Montreal — which received 'top-ups' of $332.3 million and $650 million, respectively. Those projects were approved by Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, then serving as the minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, but the press release quotes two Quebec Liberal MPs — Jean-Yves Duclos and Jöel Lightbound — and Prime Minister Mark Carney's Quebec lieutenant and Montreal MP Steven Guilbeault — all of whom were on the hustings seeking re-election the day after those announcements were made. Also on the day before the election — March 22 — Guilbeault announced, on behalf of Erskine-Smith, $400 million for 11 'green' infrastructure projects across Quebec. The Liberals would go on to have their best electoral performance in Quebec in decades, winning 44 seats. Story continues below advertisement Liberal MP Terry Sheehan won the riding of Sault Ste. Marie in 2015, 2019 and 2021 but was facing a big challenge in 2025 because of the redrawing of the country's riding boundaries. Where once Sheehan only had to worry about voters in the city of the Soo, his riding now stretched across hundreds of kilometres of Ontario's north, from Elliott Lake in the east to Wawa in the northwest. And, after transposing the votes from 2021 to the new riding boundaries of Sault Ste. Marie–Algoma, Sheehan, though he was the incumbent, was the underdog. More people in his new riding had voted Conservative in 2021 than had voted Liberal. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy And so, starting in the summer of 2024, Sheehan started travelling outside his own riding to hand out federal government cheques in communities that were to become part of the riding he would contest in 2025. It is exceedingly rare for government MPs who are not cabinet ministers to make spending announcements in ridings represented by opposition MPs but that's what Sheehan did: first in Wawa on July 26, 2024 to hand out four cheques worth $972,057, and then in in Elliott Lake on Oct 17, 2024, to hand out four cheques worth $1.7 million. In the final week before the election call, Sheehan visited Serpent River First Nation to anounced federal funding of $108,000 on March 20 to develop a tourism plan and then travelling to Wawa again on March 21 to hand out two cheques worth $1.8 million. Wawa, Elliott Lake and Serpent River FN are all located in what used to be New Democrat Carol Hughes riding, not Sheehan's old riding. Story continues below advertisement Sheehan would win the new riding of Sault Ste Marie–Algoma — which now included Wawa, Elliott Lake and Serpent River FN — by 1,728 votes, or less than three percentage points. 2:43 Poilievre visits northern Canada after electoral map redrawn But showing up with a handful of cheques before a campaign gets underway is not always a guarantee of electoral success. Liberal George Chahal, for example, would lose his seat in northeast Calgary even though he announced funding commitments the day before campaigning started for 13 different projects across Alberta worth a combined $8.3 million, ranging from $2 million to 'scale up and enhance' the city's Energy Transition Centre, to $50,000 for the city of Grande Prairie to do a 'hydrogen foundational study.' Chahal made those spending announcements on behalf Anita Anand who was then acting as the minister in charge of Prairies Economic Development Canada. Similarly, the Liberals spent the four years of the 44th Parliament pouring millions into hundreds of projects in the riding of Liberal MP and former minister Diane Lebouthiller. Lebouthillier's name was on most of the press releases announcing the $242.42 million spent on 267 projects in the riding the former riding of Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. That was the second highest number of projects funded in any of the country's 343 ridings. But it was to no avail. Se lost to a BQ challenger in the new riding of Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj. Story continues below advertisement Same thing in the western Newfoundland riding of Long Range Mountains where, over the last four years, the Liberal government funded 209 projects — ninth most of any riding — worth $77.12 million but lost the riding to the Conservatives. The number of spending commitments made during the four-year-long 44th Parliament and their overall value — 22,290 worth $110 billion — easily eclipsed those of any of the three previous Parliaments. During the four years of the 41st Parliament, during which Stephen Harper led a majority government, Conservative MPs made 7,307 spending announcements touting a combined $90-billion in funding commitments. Spending announcements are never made by opposition MPs. The only names on the press releases taking credit for any spending are government MPs or cabinet ministers. Opposition MPs never get any public credit for spending announcements even though opposition MPs often play a role in helping local organizations and businesses access federal funding programs. During the first Trudeau Parliament, from 2015 to 2019, Liberal MPs made 20,672 announcements for a combined $80 billion in funding commitments. In the 43rd Parliament, the first Trudeau minority from 2019 to 2021, ministers and government MPs made 16,761 announcements worth a combined $29.5 billion. So far in the 45th Parliament, the Carney government has made four spending commitments, the biggest of which is a $410-million contract to build a federal Transportation Safety and Technology Science hub in Ottawa. Story continues below advertisement While the information about each project and its matching funding commitment are extracted from press releases, Global News also makes a determination, where possible, about the community where the funds will be spent and, in doing so, can track which ridings are getting the federal funding. There were 500 spending announcements worth $10.7 billion for projects outside of the country and 1,129 worth $25.9 billion where Global News could not determine where the spending would occur, or determined the spending for a single project would occur in two more ridings held by different parties. That said, Global News was able to determine the riding location for 20,675 projects worth a combined $78.5 billion. Of those, most were projects in ridings held by Liberal MPs: 9,834 projects with a combined funding commitment of $35.8 billion. Ridings held by Conservative MPs received funding commitments of $23.5 billion for 7,038 projects. NDP ridings received $7.27 billion across 2,456 projects and BQ ridings received $10.7 billion across 1,043 projects.
CBC
21-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Feds commit $1.5 billion over 10 years for Metro Vancouver transit
The federal government has committed more than $1.5 billion over 10 years for Metro Vancouver's beleaguered transit network. A statement from the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities says the funding deal for TransLink is the first metro-region agreement under the new Canada Public Transit Fund. The funding from 2026 to 2036 is in addition to $663 million announced by Ottawa in January for TransLink infrastructure over the same period. TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn says in the statement that the service looks forward to continuing its partnership with Ottawa through the new deal, and it continues to work with all levels of government to expand transit to meet the region's needs. However, Quinn has previously said TransLink was facing an annual operational shortfall of $600 million starting next year. He said last July that without funding to address the gap, transit services would face "significant cuts." Last March, the B.C. government gave TransLink an injection of $479 million in provincial funding to maintain services and fares. The Canada Public Transit Fund, announced by the federal government last year, is set to start doling out $3 billion a year beginning in 2026. The federal government also announced Friday a contribution of $189 million over 10 years for B.C. Transit, a provincial Crown corporation serving communities outside Metro Vancouver.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government of Canada appoints Macky Tall as Chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank's Board of Directors
OTTAWA, ON, March 7, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, is pleased to announce the appointment of Macky Tall as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) for a four-year term. Mr. Tall is widely recognized as one of Canada's foremost infrastructure investors, bringing unparalleled expertise across various sectors, including transportation, energy, water, and digital infrastructure. His extensive investment expertise will provide strong leadership to the CIB Board, ensuring that it continues to drive impactful, long-term investments in projects that benefit Canadians. Currently a Senior Advisor at the Carlyle Group, a leading global investment firm, Mr. Tall also holds key positions on several distinguished boards. His leadership and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in advancing the CIB's mission of accelerating infrastructure development through innovative financing solutions. This appointment was made through the Government of Canada's open, transparent, and merit-based selection process. The Government of Canada also extends its sincere appreciation to Jane Bird for her dedicated service as interim Chair. Her leadership, expertise, and commitment during this transitional period have been invaluable. Quotes "With a strong history of leading significant infrastructure projects and fostering investments, Mr. Tall's leadership will be crucial to the Canada Infrastructure Bank." The Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities About the CIB As a Crown corporation, the CIB is governed by an independent Board of Directors, and is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. By leveraging the capital and expertise of the private sector, the CIB helps public dollars go further by investing in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. Working in cooperation with all orders of government, Indigenous and private investor partners, the CIB advances infrastructure projects across Canada that deliver on public interest outcomes, such as contributing to Canada's long-term and sustainable economic growth, supporting infrastructure that helps build more housing stock, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, and improving connectedness. Related products Biography: Macky Tall Associated links Governor in Council Appointments Canada Infrastructure Bank Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Government of Canada takes a further step to address homelessness in Manitoba
WINNIPEG, MB, Feb. 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada announced today that an agreement to support people living without homes, including those in encampments, has been signed with Manitoba, as part of the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI). Funding will support the implementation of a Community Encampment Response Plan and will immediately provide additional support to people living without homes. Manitoba's plan is tailored to the specific needs of Winnipeg. Through this agreement, over two years, the federal government will provide $7.5 million in funding, a contribution that is matched by the province. This is on top of what the federal government is investing in Manitoba through Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy, a total of $231 million over nine years from 2019-2028. This funding will aim to address homelessness and encampments, primarily in Winnipeg, by establishing a 20 to 30 bed supportive housing facility, prioritizing individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Additionally, funding will help expand winter services at nine drop-in spaces, providing essential resources like shelter, meals, laundry facilities, and connections to housing services. Flexible funding will help organizations cover non-recurring expenses, such as rent arrears and temporary lodging, to support individuals transitioning out of encampments. Housing provides stability and security and serves as the foundation for overall well-being. Everyone has a right to safe housing, regardless of their circumstances. Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to live. Quotes "In Budget 2024, we made a $250 million commitment to help our provinces and municipalities address the urgent issue of encampments and homelessness. These agreements are an important part of our response, but we know there is more work to be done to expedite the development of affordable, deeply affordable, and supportive housing to ensure that all Canadians have a place to call home." The Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities "Homelessness is a crisis that demands urgent, coordinated action. This agreement is a step toward getting more people into safe, stable housing by expanding winter services, adding supportive housing, and giving organizations the resources to help. There's still more to do, but this investment will provide real support where it's needed most." The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada "The instability of living without a home creates barriers to health, safety, and opportunity. As public spaces become sanctuaries for too many, it's time we take decisive action to provide support to those most vulnerable in finding safe, affordable homes. By prioritizing urgent solutions and working together, we can put an end to encampments and create a stronger, more compassionate future for every Winnipegger and every Manitoban." Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre Quick facts The Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI) will help reduce the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, particularly those living in encampments. It is based on the deployment of a Community Encampment Response Plan (CERP) in each targeted community, adopting an approach that promotes housing stability with support services to ensure the dignity of individuals. Federal funding provided for this agreement is part of a $250 million commitment, outlined in Budget 2024, to address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness across Canada. The $250 million investment from the federal government is a tool to coordinate matching funds from provincial and territorial governments to address encampments throughout the country. The UHEI builds on existing programs like Reaching Home, through which the federal government is investing $5 billion over nine years to address homelessness across Canada by funding and supporting urban, Indigenous, territorial, and rural and remote communities to address their local homelessness needs. Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy supports the goals of Canada's Housing Plan and the National Housing Strategy – to support the needs of the most vulnerable Canadians and to improve access to safe, stable and affordable housing. Since 2015, the federal government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home. Associated links Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy Canada's National Housing Strategy Canada's Housing Plan UHEI Announcement - City of London UHEI Announcement - QuebecUHEI Announcement - Northwest TerritoriesUHEI Announcement – Ontario and SaskatchewanUHEI Announcement - YukonUHEI Announcement – Newfoundland and Labrador Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities View original content:
CBC
19-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Fire-ravaged Lytton, B.C., getting $25M for 'community hub' with museum, pool, market space
The federal government is promising more than $25 million to help build a new "community hub" in the Village of Lytton years after much of the B.C. town was wiped out by fire. A statement from the Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities says the new building is expected to include a community-sized pool and fire reservoir, a museum, a market space, multi-purpose rooms and accessible washrooms. The $25.9 million in federal funding announced Wednesday is part of $77 million in support that was promised in 2022. A devastating wildfire in June of 2021 destroyed 90 per cent of the structures in Lytton, one day after the community of about 200 people hit a Canadian temperature record of 49.6 C. The government statement says the new hub will be fire-resilient and built to net-zero emission standards. Lytton Mayor Denise O'Connor says in the statement that residents are thankful for the money. "We have heard from the community how we need this place to gather, recreate, and be together. The community hub will support reconciliation, economic and climate resiliency, emergency preparedness and response, arts, recreation, and culture, and serve residents of the village and surrounding areas for years to come."
