You should start to notice new and upgraded roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects popping up across the riding and throughout Saskatchewan as the federal government has increased and accelerated investment in provinces and municipalities.
As of April 1, infrastructure payments to municipalities across the country have been doubled. This year the federal gas tax transfers to communities in my riding will reach almost $4 million, up from just under $2 million last year. And the Gas Tax Fund (GTF) will remain at that level beyond 2014, when the government makes it a permanent measure. This will provide municipalities with stable and predictable funding for their long-term infrastructure priorities.
Plus, we’ve accelerated the first payment of the fund by almost three months with communities receiving initial funds this month. Our Government has moved to make these funds available to community projects that will best benefit local businesses by encouraging competition and the creation of new jobs.
The Gas Tax also makes capital investments in water, wastewater and solid wastes infrastructure. The fund combines predictable, long-term funding with local decision making and planning to enable municipalities to build and improve their core public infrastructure. The Gas Tax funding allows our local level of government to begin projects that would otherwise have had to wait for another budget year.
I am proud to be part of a Government who recognizes the importance of local initiatives and who trusts our municipally elected representatives to make the right decisions for our towns and municipalities. The federal Gas Tax transfer allows your council members to invest in future plans and programs that will meet the future needs of local families, workers and businesses for years to come.
At a time when Canadian municipalities are feeling the effects of the global economic downturn, the acceleration and increase in permanent funding will provide more opportunities for Canadians to return to the work force, and get more money flowing through our local economy.
Hon. Gerry Ritz is the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.ca