[mr.x]

$7-billion only over the next 2 years? That's more like just a re-announcement of infrastructure money promised in 2007 and 2008!

The Conservatives obviously do not understand Canada's dire need for infrastructure; $123-billion is needed to fix this nation's infrastructure. This won't even make a dent at fixing the infrastructure problem nor soften the impact of the economic crisis.

It also appears that the Conservatives are stuck to their ideology once again - they can't imagine helping the little guy without giving their pals a break, too.

True stimulus is about building infrastructure for our communities to get back in the game. It is not about supporting dinosaurs, such as the current large auto players, but helping look at ways to research and develop new technologies which will allow Canada to be a world leader.

Canada needs to help the crumbling infrastructures with an eye to the future, not just the past.

The Conservatives are not offering something they believe in, or they would have approached the exercise differently. Mr. Ignatief has the opportunity to show what he can do - and not to take on the challenge will show more what stuff the Liberals are made of than how good the budget is or should be!

We don't want, or need another election - we need effective leadership - and the desire to seriously deal with an economy in crisis. Harper got one reprieve. He does not deserve a second.

Something like $14-billion over the next two years is much more ideal.





Budget has at least $7B for new infrastructure: Baird
Last Updated: Monday, January 26, 2009 | 11:26 AM ET
CBCNews

The federal government plans to spend at least $7 billion on new infrastructure projects in an effort to boost the sagging economy, Transport Minister John Baird said Monday.

The measures will be included in Tuesday's federal budget, Baird told a news conference in Ottawa.

"We will be making investments in roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, as well as transit," he said.

While he didn't provide any further details, Baird did offer the following breakdown of how the money will be spent over the next two years:

-$4 billion for an infrastructure stimulus fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities.
-$2 billion for repairs and construction of colleges and universities.
-$1 billion for sustainable green infrastructure projects.

Opposition leaders, provincial premiers and mayors have called for billions to be spent on infrastructure projects to boost the economy and have urged the federal government to streamline the approval process.

Baird said the government is determined to speed up the process.

"We are ready to cut red tape and duplication and get these projects moving quickly," Baird said, adding the new projects will provide "hope and opportunity" for Canadians worried about their futures.

"It is important we make sound investments. We'll be quite vigilant in this regard. We do believe we can make some changes administratively to speed up the green-lighting of projects," he said.

Liberal infrastructure critic Gerard Kennedy said the Harper government has a low credibility rate when it comes to moving ahead with such projects.

Of the $1.5 billion pledged for infrastructure projects under the 2007 Building Canada Fund, only $300 million has been spent because of red tape, said Kennedy.

"This is an area of high skepticism," he said.

He also said it's not clear that Baird is talking about new money, noting the government has recycled spending announcements in the past.

Many elements of Tuesday's budget have already been leaked, including billions of dollars for social housing, job retraining, agriculture and tax cuts.

The government expects to have a $64-billion deficit over the next two years.

[Wooster]

Weak ass. Spread across Canada this will build crap all in most cities.

Calgary requested almost $4 billion alone. Amongst the big ticket items Calgary really needs is $1.2 billion for the 1st phase of the southeast LRT line and $550 million for a subway for 8th avenue to relieve the congestion of 7th ave.

For this amount there's not much hope for funding of these projects. Calgary and most cities will likely each get about $100 million in some pipes, or some other project that was previously funded, or supposed to be funded through the Building Canada program.

It's hardly going to stimulate such a massive economy, that's in such deep recession.

Calgary's requests:
http://www.calgarymayor.ca/files/pressreleases/2009/2009_economic_stimulus.pdf

[lubicon]

Alberta alone could use $7 billion.

I'm not impressed, and I'm generally a PC supporter.

[SteelTown]

Lemme guess it'll take a couple of months to list all the projects that will be funded.

[caltrane74]

China is spending 600 billion on infrastructure .......Canada with an economy half the size of China, we spend 7 Billion dollars...

hmmm

...wierd.

[Delirium]

this link provides details on "shovel ready" infrastructure projects by province and the number of jobs created by each
http://www.journalofcommerce.com/article/id32075

[Doug]

I'm not impressed because the right dollar value is zero. Economic stimulus will not work in an economy that has already been stimulated to the point of fatigue by a decade of easy credit and high rates of growth in government spending.

Infrastructure projects that make sense will go ahead on their own merits.

The other thing to keep in mind is that it is much tougher for Canada to raise the capital to fund deficits than it is for the governments of the US, Japan and EU, which are able to monetize their borrowing to a much greater extent without igniting hyperinflation. The Canadian dollar isn't a reserve currency.

[mr.x]

Infrastructure needs $123B to avoid collapse: study
Further delay accelerates decay, says Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Last Updated: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 | 5:15 PM ET
CBC News

Canada's three levels of government must spend $123 billion to fix the country's creaking infrastructure, says a report from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

"If serious action isn't taken now, our infrastructure is headed for collapse," said federation president Gord Steeves at a news conference in Ottawa on Tuesday.

Steeves, a city councillor in Winnipeg, noted that people are already beginning to take for granted warning signs such as boil-water advisories, potholes and gridlock.

The report, Danger Ahead: The Coming Collapse of Canada’s Municipal Infrastructure, was prepared by a research team led by Dr. Saeed Mirza of McGill University’s Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics. It's based on 85 responses to a questionnaire sent to 166 municipalities.

The $123-billion estimate includes "sub-deficits" for key categories:

* Water and wastewater systems ($31 billion).
* Transportation ($21.7 billion), transit ($22.8 billion).
* Solid-waste management ($7.7 billion).
* Community, recreational, cultural and social infrastructure ($40.2 billion).

Steeves said it shows the decay is accelerating faster than previously thought, as the country's infrastructure was mostly built between the 1950s and 1970s, and has used up 79 per cent of its service life.

"The cost of fixing this problem will only go up, as will the cost of not fixing it," he said.

Property taxes not enough

The federation wants the federal government to acknowledge the problem and recognize the need for a national plan to fix it once and for all, Steeves said.

He added that municipalities lack the resources to tackle the problem, as property taxes alone comprise only 8 per cent of Canadian tax revenues.

Louise Poirier, a city councillor for Gatineau, Que., and a member of the federation's board of directors, told the news conference that aside from the magnitude of the costs, municipalities face barriers such as laws that ban them from running deficits.

When Steeves was asked if some of the deferred infrastructure spending was the result of poor decision-making by municipalities in the past, he agreed that could be a contributing factor.

But he also blamed the distribution of money through provincial programs that require municipalities to apply for specific projects. Those tend to result in spending on provincial priorities rather than priorities for towns and cities, and sometimes leave large sums earmarked for infrastructure sitting unspent in provincial coffers, he said.

He said he thinks the money should flow directly to the municipalities.

"We think that the municipal governments are the level of government that are in the best position to determine what their own infrastructure needs are."

Delays cause decay: report

The report said one of the key causes of the rapid decay of infrastructure is that governments put off maintenance during the economic hard times of the 1970s and 1980s.

"With no maintenance or sporadic deferred maintenance, the infrastructure facility deteriorates very rapidly and with a considerable reduction in service life."

In some cases, it's too late to refurbish the decayed structures and they have to be decommissioned, demolished and replaced, adding to the costs.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities, which has 1,600 members, represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters under federal jurisdiction.

[Halifax Hillbilly]

I'm not impressed because the right dollar value is zero. Economic stimulus will not work in an economy that has already been stimulated to the point of fatigue by a decade of easy credit and high rates of growth in government spending.

Infrastructure projects that make sense will go ahead on their own merits.

The other thing to keep in mind is that it is much tougher for Canada to raise the capital to fund deficits than it is for the governments of the US, Japan and EU, which are able to monetize their borrowing to a much greater extent without igniting hyperinflation. The Canadian dollar isn't a reserve currency.

But we're already projecting a $64 billion defecit over two years. What the hell else are they spending the money on? Seriously if there are major tax cuts in this buget I'm going to lose it.

Infrastructure projects won't simply get funded because they are needed. Where is the funding going to come from for our crumbling municipal sewer systems? This isn't optional infrastructure and cities simply can't afford it.

$10-12 billion dollars a year was the revenue brought in by the 2% GST cut. That money is looking pretty good at this point, and all the tax cut did was drive car sales higher for a couple of months. It certainly didn't help keep Canada's economy humming like the Conservatives have argued.

[vid]

I'm generally a PC supporter.

You're supporting a party that hasn't existed for five years. :(

With this I doubt Thunder Bay will get anything. Punishment for voting for the "wrong party".

[mr.x]

Canadian municipalities could create over 156,000 jobs and deliver $13.7 billion worth of infrastructure work this year, if accelerated and new federal funds are made available to them in the 2009 budget.

http://www.journalofcommerce.com/images/archivesid/32074/50.gif

http://www.journalofcommerce.com/images/archivesid/32074/70.gif

[amor de cosmos]

iirc that $7 billion is in addition to the (already budgeted) $33 billion Building Canada fund, from which the government will provide no more than half of the funding for a project. the rest comes from the provinces & private sector. individual provinces (eg. ont, que & ab) have their own funds also. there's plenty of cash to go around besides the $7 billion of new funding that will be in tomorrow's budget.

Charest announces $30B for Quebec infrastructure
Updated Thu. Oct. 11 2007 11:11 AM ET
The Canadian Press

MONTREAL -- The Quebec government has announced it's spending $30 billion over five years to improve its aging infrastructure.

Premier Jean Charest says roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and public buildings will benefit under the spending announced today in Montreal.

Charest says the province's infrastructure has been neglected over the years and needs upgrading.

Almost half of the money was announced earlier this year in the provincial budget and is part of an effort by the government to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071011/que_infrastructure_071011

For the first time in Ontario’s history, the government released a five-year infrastructure investment plan in May 2005.

ReNew Ontario is a plan of action that directs infrastructure investments to the areas that Ontarians have said are their priorities – health care, education and economic prosperity. It’s a $30 billion plus investment plan that signals a renaissance for Ontario’s public infrastructure.
http://www.pir.gov.on.ca/english/infrastructure/renew.htm

April 22, 2008
2008-11 Capital Plan delivers $22.2 billion for municipalities, housing, hospitals, schools, and roads

2008-11 Capital Plan highlights:

Overall, an increase of $3.9 billion; or 21 per cent, from Budget 2007,

$3.3 billion for health facilities and equipment,
$1.7 billion for schools,
$1.5 billion for post-secondary facilities,
$5.2 billion for provincial highways,
$5 billion for municipalities,
$1.1 billion for housing


Edmonton… The Alberta government will invest approximately $22.2 billion over the next three years to continue its unparalleled support for infrastructure in the province and help address the needs of a growing economy and population.

The 2008-11 Capital Plan, released as part of Budget 2008, supports government’s priorities and delivers on short-term commitments made in the 20-Year Strategic Capital Plan, released earlier this year. In this plan the requirement for new infrastructure is complemented by additional resources to maintain existing facilities.

“We’re continuing with major investments in infrastructure, including maintenance and renewal, at a crucial time in Alberta’s development,” said Treasury Board President Lloyd Snelgrove. “By taking care of what we have and building where we need to build, I’m confident the infrastructure backbone we are creating will provide strength to our province well into the future.”

The announced $22.2 billion is a 21 per cent increase in capital spending over last year’s three-year plan. The first year of the plan will see approximately $8.7 billion committed to supporting infrastructure. Capital Plan spending will average approximately $7.4 billion per year from 2008 to 2011, the Capital Plan, up from an average of about $2.7 billion per year from 2000 to 2007.

To help address the rising cost of providing and maintaining our infrastructure, $803 million has been set aside to deal with cost escalation on approved projects. In addition, the government will continue to consider alternative financing arrangements to help meet the province’s capital requirements in circumstances where it will provide greater value than traditional methods.
etc
http://alberta.ca/ACN/200804/233537753CC17-B394-69F0-3064C68F5B61F339.html

[jlousa]

If infrasturucture is crumbling then look at the provincial and municipal governements and ask them why. They will tell you that the feds during the liberals balancing the budget cut transfer payments leaving them with no money for repairs. I don't blame the liberals for doing what they did it needed to be done but it was due to that we are where we are now. The Conservatives have greatly increased the transfer payments during their tenure, much more so then the reduction in GST of 12Billion, so in all honestly if the Conservatives just reduced the transfer payments back down to Liberal levels we would still be in surplus (current crisis removed). Not sure about other provinces but BC has been taking advantage of the increased transfer payments with lots of indrastructure projects, of course we always want even more.

[mr.x]

Our infrastructure deficit is a national liability


By Jacques J.M. Shore and Chris Schafer, Ottawa Citizen Special
January 26, 2009

Tomorrow, the federal Conservative government will table its budget. It is expected to focus primarily on stimulating Canada's economy during the worldwide financial downturn. At the heart of the government's economic recovery plan appears to be a significant infusion of infrastructure spending in order to boost economic growth.

But beyond the beneficial effect such spending on infrastructure will have on the economy, the budget presents an opportunity for all levels of government to renew Canada's aging inventory of critical infrastructure and fulfil their obligation in respect to national security and emergency preparedness by protecting the safety of Canadians. In fact, there may exist a legal imperative to do so.

Critical infrastructure, consisting of physical and information technology facilities, networks, services and assets, is crucial to the health, safety, security and prosperity of Canadians because it underpins every sector of society and the economy, providing all the basic services upon which Canadians depend. This is precisely why it is absolutely crucial to maintain, enhance, and protect it, especially in light of the threat posed by natural disasters and terrorism. Unfortunately, many sectors of Canada's critical infrastructure exist in a state of vulnerability due to decades of neglect.

According to the Conference Board of Canada, the overall "infrastructure deficit" in Canada ranges from $50 billion to $125 billion, with the deficiencies being widespread. Among the infrastructure related investments that are overdue are improvements to telecommunications technologies including cyber security, water and sewage treatment plants, key bridges and dams, and gas pipeline security, to name a few.

For example, with respect to dams, the chair and commissioner of the International Joint Commission, the Right Honourable Herb Gray, in testimony before the Senate standing committee on national security and defence, has expressed concerns with respect to the security of structures that are on or cross the waterways forming portions of the border between Canada and the United States. Mr. Gray has urged the Canadian government to adopt a regulated inspection procedure, similar to an existing process in the United States, so as to ensure security measures are in place and well monitored to deal with the safety of dams and related power generation facilities.

Unfortunately, much remains to be done in order to shore up security at key dams and power generation facilities at critical junctures between Canada and the United States.

In the U.S., as a small part of his economic rescue plan, President Barack Obama would create a $25-billion "jobs and growth fund" to invest in in-progress and fast-tracked infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, as part of a larger $90-billion infrastructure spending package. Adjusted for population size, an equivalent investment by the Canadian federal government in tomorrow's budget would mean infrastructure-related spending of between $3 billion and $10.5 billion.

An investment in critical infrastructure of this magnitude, albeit insufficient for the purposes of addressing the nation's infrastructure deficit, would not only save jobs and create new ones, but it would go some distance in fulfilling the task for which government has primary responsibility, namely the safety and security of Canadians.

The National Security Policy of Canada states that, "There can be no greater role, no more important obligation for a government, than the protection and safety of its citizens."

Today, much of the critical infrastructure is owned or operated by the private sector. This means that the government must work collaboratively with the private sector to ensure its security. Otherwise, it risks legal liability. If citizens or industry are harmed because of a failure by government to secure critical infrastructure or to pursue public-private partnerships to facilitate this, courts may hold government accountable for neglecting its legal "duty of care."

Emerging case law in the United States suggests that inadequate emergency management and counter-terrorism practices could be deemed negligent in light of reasonably foreseeable risks, especially post-9/11. In Canada, recent emergency-management-related litigation against the government concerning Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) highlights the potential legal liability governments in Canada may face for their alleged negligence. Undoubtedly, federal government policy such as its National Security Policy, provide convenient "standards of care," and as such, are attractive tools for courts to use in resolving emergency-management-based litigation.

Although it is not possible to predict with absolute certainty what legal liability may rest with the government for demonstrably failing to secure critical infrastructure, the bottom line is that investment by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in critical infrastructure today will minimize the risk of legal liability for the government tomorrow, not to mention any political fallout.

If shovels are not ready to hit the ground right away on critical infrastructure projects, there are many other ways to move forward quickly on such initiatives. For example, governments at all levels in Canada could use the tax system by waiving applicable taxes or providing tax credits on items used by private-sector critical infrastructure owners and operators in their prevention and mitigation efforts aimed at securing the nation's critical infrastructure.

Due to the fact that so much of the collective security and prosperity that Canadians enjoy rests on the day-to-day functioning of a vast network of critical infrastructure, governments at all levels are obligated to do what they can with available financial resources to protect the public and reduce risk by building, maintaining, enhancing, and protecting critical infrastructure before it's too late.

Mr. Flaherty is presented now with a second golden opportunity (and likely the last if he does not get it right) to present a budget to the Canadian people that not only keeps Canadians working and the economy strong, but fulfils the government's obligation in respect to national security and emergency preparedness by protecting the critical infrastructure upon which the safety and security of Canadians depends.

Jacques J.M. Shore is chair of the Council of Advisors of the Canadian Centre of Intelligence Security Studies (Carleton University) and partner in the advocacy department and government relations practice group at the Ottawa office of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. Chris Schafer is an associate at Gowlings.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

[Coldrsx]

I am happy... Edmonton got its NLRT funded ($625,000,000).

[mersar]

I am happy... Edmonton got its NLRT funded ($625,000,000).

Source? I'm seeing nothing from any source to say anything has been leaked about which projects get anything. I recall the entire NAIT extension was $825M though

[Wooster]

I think cold is confusing "wishlist" with "funding". I know The NLRT in Edmonton was on the wishlist, but no one knows what actual projects will receive funding - at least until tomorrow.

[e909]

The $7bn is just the feds share. That money will probably be on the condition that the provincial and municipal governments pick up the rest.

[SteelTown]

^ As if the province and municipalities can afford to cover the other 2/3. Total bullcrap.

[graupner]

I didn't know Harper was hoping the liberals to come back so quickly.

He just gave them a VIP pass to form the next government!!!

[CANAUS]

I would just like to add my voice to the chorus here as this is obviously woefully inadequate. For a minute, I had hope that Harper and his government would do the right thing and get on the task of modernising this country's increasingly and out of date infrastructure. That alone without even increased social spending would have changed my mind on this government's record.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Fail.







Canada's government is full of it.

[mylesmalley]

From what I've seen, the only way the Conservatives could run a deficit nearly as large as they're projecting would be through massive tax cuts. Which is exactly what we need more of.

/sarcasm

[amor de cosmos]

just for all the critical people, esp the ones citing the FCM :yes:
Statement by FCM President on today's infrastructure announcement by Minister Baird

OTTAWA, Jan. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Statement by Jean Perrault, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Mayor of Sherbrooke, on today's infrastructure announcement by Minister Baird.

"We are strongly encouraged by today's commitment from Minister John Baird and the Government of Canada to deliver significant new funding for infrastructure projects in time to fight the recession. We were also encouraged to learn the budget will invest in green infrastructure. By helping to upgrade municipal public transit, water, and wastewater systems, the federal government can put Canadians to work on projects that conserve energy and help protect our air and water.

Timing remains critical. Cost-sharing requirements pose a challenge for cash-strapped municipalities, especially now that many have approved their 2009Capital Budgets. To put new investments to work creating jobs this year, the federal government must continue to work with municipalities to ensure new funding is delivered through an efficient, flexible funding mechanism. Municipalities, who will spend $15 billion on municipal infrastructure this year, are ready to continue doing their part.

A significant number of new infrastructure projects must get started during the 2009 construction season to help counter the recession. Earlier this month, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities released a list that has grown to more than 2,249 shovel-ready infrastructure projects in cities and communities across the country. We recommended using a flexible new funding mechanism to flow money quickly, fairly and accountably, like the federal Gas Tax Fund model.

The federal government has recognized the importance of flowing new money quickly, and has reiterated its commitment to make existing programs work faster. Achieving these objectives represents a significant but vital challenge. All orders of government must continue to work together to spell out the details and put new investments to work to boost the economy and serve Canadians.

Strong cities and communities are the foundation of our economy and quality of life. Improved infrastructure will help Canadians compete for new jobs, opportunities, and investments in the global economy. By investing in the places Canadians live and work, the federal government will help build a safer, greener and more competitive country for the future.

Canadians know that getting new infrastructure projects started this year is our best recession- fighter. More than half of Canadians made new infrastructure spending their top priority for this budget. Canadians can be confident that the actions announced by the Government of Canada today are an important step in providing the economic stimulus needed to fight this recession."
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2009/26/c2790.html

[Wooster]

Baird was a joke on Politics with Don Newman. Baird said that the infrastructure funds are (like the Building Canada fund) contingent on 1/3 municipal 1/3 provincial funding as well. When Newman pointed out that many of those programs aren't getting going because municipalities don't have the matching funds, Baird was indignant and said that they do.

Newman kept pressing and said that the big city mayors that visited last week kept saying that 1/3 1/3 1/3 agreements wouldn't work. Baird kept insisting that the mayors expressed no such concern. Rightly Newman pointed out that they expressed that concern to everyone else. Baird just sat there saying nothing like an idiot.

[vid]

^ As if the province and municipalities can afford to cover the other 2/3. Total bullcrap.

In the case of Thunder Bay's waterfront, the city has already set aside the money. The province has promised money only if the feds put money in which hasn't said anything about the project. The city can start infill and small building construction the second they get the money secured. (They don't have to have the money, just the government saying it will give us the money, so if the budget has that funding tomorrow, as soon as the Ontario Liberals say the word, we're building our waterfront. It could start on Thursday.)

That's what the government meant by "shovel ready". We have a medical research facility in the exact same situation, The total funding for both would be about $70M dollars, and would create around 1,000 jobs this year.

Thunder Bay is in a unique situation though, as the money going to our waterfront is mostly from a loan the province gave the city for a seniors home they were going to build, but the province cancelled it and let the city keep the money as long as it was spent on capital investments, like waterfront projects. I doubt many other cities have been as lucky as us in that respect. I doubt most cities have medical research facilities ready to be built either. (We also have quality bridges. Suck it, Chatham.)

[SteelTown]

And where the hell are municipalities going to get the other 1/3 funding immediately to match the other 2/3 funding? Municipalities aren't allowed to go into deficits, well in Ontario anyways. Hamilton wanted around $250 million so the city is on the hook for $83.3 million.

[vid]

Cities can take out loans. Thunder Bay's debt has been growing at a pretty good clip. Largest debt among our peers according to Standard and Poors but we also pay it down more than other cities. Too bad Southern Ontario doesn't have a heritage fund or economic development initiative.

[SteelTown]

For one of the project Hamilton wanted the feds to cover is a new water treatment facility (it's needed to keep up with the growth) which will cost about $700 million. So the city requested $200 million (less than 1/3 of the total) from the feds and now there coming out with only paying 1/3 of the $200 million ($66.7 million) to cover a $700 million project? What a joke.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

God, our Government(and John Baird) piss me off so much sometimes...

[vid]

Thunder Bay mostly paid for its new water treatment system itself, for a decade we devoted almost all of our capital improvements budget to it. Now that it's done we're able to rebuilt multiple kilometres of four and five lane road at a time with the freed up money.

It was only about $70M though, I image $700M would be a lot harder, even for Hamilton. Still, if you did what Thunder Bay did and got that $67M you might pull it off in ten years, if the city is willing to wait that long and put other things on hold for about a decade...

:\

John Baird shouldn't be in government at all. You should have to pass a basic competency test to get into it, to keep people like him out. And of course anyone who was in the Rae/Harris government of the 1990s should be banned for life from every participating in politics on any level.

[SteelTown]

http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/487500

Among all levels of government, the city is bearing the greatest cost to clean up Hamilton harbour.

"The local community has paid the lion's share of the investment," says John Hall, Remedial Action Plan co-ordinator.

Senior director of water and wastewater Jim Harnum calls it an unequal burden.

He says because the harbour lies in international waters, the federal and provincial governments have obligations under Great Lakes water quality agreements to contribute funds to help delist areas of concern.

"We have this aging infrastructure, we have some other financial problems in the city and at the same time we have this added burden of trying to delist this Hamilton harbour which is of national and international concern," he says. "We can't do this alone."

Province and feds vs. local contributions

1990-1995 $15M/$70M

1995-2000 $15M/$70M

2000-2005 $15M/$180M

2005-present $50M*/$150M

*plus $60M committed to Randle Reef project

Baird as Environment Minister announced 1/3 funding for the Randle Reef funding in Summer of 2007. We're still waiting for the money.

[0773|=\]

I'd love to say wait and see, but $7 Billion just seems so far below what should be invested right now. :(

[Metro-One]

haha, 7 billion, that is it? I am not surprised though, the majority of Canadians are idiots if you look at online polls where tax cuts are favored 2 to 1 over infrastructure spending :koko:

I have never understood how any one could feel a slight tax cut will save them from a recession.

Simple truth, Canada's infrastructure is aging and inadequate. Right now during the recession is a great time to build these shovel ready projects from many reason, first they create needed jobs to last through the recession, second the materials for these projects will be at reduced prices and third we gain equity across the nation and have new facilities that will last us decades to come.

Tax cuts are the last thing we need, not until we have 0 day wait lists in our health care system, a top notch educational system and efficient mass transit systems nation wide should any tax cuts occur.

[mr.x]

Tax cuts are the last thing we need, not until we have 0 day wait lists in our health care system, a top notch educational system and efficient mass transit systems nation wide should any tax cuts occur.

That's a bit extreme....tax cuts can be a good thing if handled properly. For example, economists were telling the gov't to cut income taxes rather than the GST....but of course, Harper chose the GST because it would make better headlines.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

haha, 7 billion, that is it? I am not surprised though, the majority of Canadians are idiots if you look at online polls where tax cuts are favored 2 to 1 over infrastructure spending :koko:

I have never understood how any one could feel a slight tax cut will save them from a recession.

Simple truth, Canada's infrastructure is aging and inadequate. Right now during the recession is a great time to build these shovel ready projects from many reason, first they create needed jobs to last through the recession, second the materials for these projects will be at reduced prices and third we gain equity across the nation and have new facilities that will last us decades to come.

Tax cuts are the last thing we need, not until we have 0 day wait lists in our health care system, a top notch educational system and efficient mass transit systems nation wide should any tax cuts occur.

:tup:

Although, tax cats can be good in the right circumstances.

[SteelTown]

I'm predicting no GST for 6 or 12 months in this budget. That might explain the $64 billion deficit.

[wild wild west]

I generally like tax cuts, when appropriate...however now is not the time. We're already going into deficit and the last thing we need is to further constrain our ability to raise revenue. I don't want to see tax cuts or program spending - this budget should be about infrastructure.

[drew]

Baird just sat there saying nothing like an idiot.

That's because he is an idiot.

[Coldrsx]

I think cold is confusing "wishlist" with "funding". I know The NLRT in Edmonton was on the wishlist, but no one knows what actual projects will receive funding - at least until tomorrow.

I have a dream...

[Doug]

But we're already projecting a $64 billion defecit over two years. What the hell else are they spending the money on? Seriously if there are major tax cuts in this buget I'm going to lose it.

Infrastructure projects won't simply get funded because they are needed. Where is the funding going to come from for our crumbling municipal sewer systems? This isn't optional infrastructure and cities simply can't afford it.

$10-12 billion dollars a year was the revenue brought in by the 2% GST cut. That money is looking pretty good at this point, and all the tax cut did was drive car sales higher for a couple of months. It certainly didn't help keep Canada's economy humming like the Conservatives have argued.

Well probably about half of that deficit is due to the economy operating below potential (less tax revenue and increased EI payments).

[mr.x]

Shipbuilding and transit spending for B.C.

BILL CURRY

Globe and Mail Update

January 27, 2009 at 5:01 PM EST

OTTAWA — New Coast Guard ships will be built in British Columbia and Vancouver's Evergreen Transit Line wins an extension as the federal budget outlined Canada's plan to spend its way out of the economic recession.

In addition to billions for skills training and infrastructure projects nation-wide, the Conservatives' 2009 federal budget includes several specific measures aimed directly at British Columbians.

In his budget speech Tuesday, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty promised that public transportation in Vancouver will be benefit as a result of the federal stimulus package.

“In British Columbia, funds will flow for the Evergreen Transit Line and for a more modern railway station in Vancouver – key projects as the city prepares to host the Olympic Winter Games,” said Mr. Flaherty in his House of Commons budget speech.

On shipbuilding, the budget promises $175-million for new Coast Guard vessels and repairs to the existing fleet. Ottawa indicates that when the contracts are awarded, work will be conducted in Canada and, where possible, by shipyards located within the regions of the vessels' home ports.

The Coast Guard is in line for 80 new small craft and 30 new environmental response barges. There will also be five new lifeboats home-ported in Prince Rupert, Campbell River, Dartmouth, Quebec City and Burlington, Ont.
Two Coast Guard ships ported in Victoria, B.C. – the CCGS Bartlett and the CCGS Tanu – will receive “vessel life extensions.”

For small craft harbours, the budget pledges $1.9-million for repairs at the Stevenson Harbour and $300,000 for wharf repairs at Ladysmith Harbour.

Border infrastructure that would lead to Pacific Highway improvements is included, as well as added Canada Border Services Agency infrastructure in northern B.C.

Meanwhile, B.C.'s Fort Nelson Airport is listed in the budget as a possible beneficiary of an $81-million fund for cleaning up contaminated sites.

The province's mountain pine beetle woes are also mentioned as an example for spending that will flow from a $1-billion nation-wide “community adjustment fund.” The budget provides few details on the fund, which “will help mitigate the short-term impacts of restructuring communities.”

[amor de cosmos]

here's the BC Tech Industry Assn's CEO's infrastructure wish list, which is a little different from the usual water/roads/highways/etc stuff. The business about electronic health records, improving research facilities, broadband & clean energy got addressed. Hopefully it isn't too late for some of the other things to be considered also:

Infrastructure Investment and Economic Stimulus - Thinking outside the Bricks and Mortar Box
by Admin 26/01/2009 9:42:00 AM

So far British Columbia has not been hit as hard by the economic downturn than other areas in the world, but illiquid credit markets, dropping real estate values, diminishing construction activity, a battered forestry sector and the drastic drop in commodity prices promise difficult times ahead.

Thanks to the fiscal discipline and resulting surpluses both federally and provincially, governments of both levels have the flexibility and means to invest counter-cyclically and have declared their intention to do so through infrastructure investments and other measures.

Infrastructure investments in times of economic downturns make sense: they mitigate the negative effects of the downturn, allow governments to take advantage of competitive pricing and afford the long term benefit of a modernized, better infrastructure. These investments can also position the economy to come out of the downturn stronger, more productive and more competitive.

However, we have to think beyond the traditional understanding of infrastructure that includes roads, bridges and buildings. In the 21st century our information technologies and communications infrastructure is equally important. Inefficiencies in computer and communications networks may be less visible than road congestion and pot holes, but they are as damaging to the smooth functioning of our infrastructure.

There are three main areas of technology infrastructure investments we believe our governments need to consider: Modernizing the governments’ own communications and IT infrastructure; improving the technology industry infrastructure and accelerating carbon reduction investments.

Modernizing government communications and IT infrastructure
In many areas governments are underutilizing information technology systems or are trying to make do with outdated hardware and software that cannot deliver the connectivity, flexibility, and self-service capabilities of modern systems. Governments need to re-invent themselves around new information technology systems that increase their efficiency and productivity. Through this re-invention, governments will also create new opportunities for the technology industry, including exportable expertise and meaningful work for Canadians.

• Upgrading the government’s legacy IT infrastructure – By upgrading their own IT infrastructure and legacy systems, governments can improve service delivery, particularly e-government initiatives, and improve productivity.

• Improving and connecting health information systems – The one public sector area with probably the largest productivity gain potential is the area of Health Services. While the electronic health record has been discussed for years, it is time that it happened. Baby boomers continue to age and increase their use of the health care system. Without investments that increase the systems efficiency, health care costs will continue to skyrocket in the future.

• Re-investing the $4B in wireless license revenues into the wireless sector – The $4 billion in revenues that the federal government extracted from wireless telcos in 2008 in the name of spectrum licensing and competitiveness should be re-invested into initiatives that leverage wireless technologies to improve corporate and public sector productivity and service delivery.

Improving the technology industry infrastructure
Where governments are looking to invest in traditional infrastructure that protects construction jobs, consideration should be given to projects that leverage the intellectual capacity of Canadians. Specifically, we recommend:

• Completing the last mile of the digital divide – With a growing need for alternative economic opportunities in the Interior and North, the completion of broadband Internet access for remote communities becomes even more critical. While the Province has made substantial investment to date, greater access, particularly ‘last mile’ solutions are still needed.

• Create collaborative technology parks – Research Parks in BC have a successful track record in providing an environment to launch dozens of high-tech companies, including many technology transfer spin-outs. Increased industry-to-industry and industry-to-academia collaborations, and increased co-op and intern placement opportunities helps to create a ‘market’ focus for BC’s research innovations.

• Improving research facilities – To create tomorrow’s innovations, today’s researchers need world-class facilities for their research. Better facilities provide the tools required for exploration while also creating an environment to attract and retain the world’s greatest minds.

Accelerating carbon reduction investments
The BC government has made the reduction of carbon emissions a key initiative for our province, including goals like carbon neutrality of the BC Government’s operations by 2010 and electricity self sufficiency by 2016. To achieve these goals, not just the provincial government, but all levels of government need to look at accelerating their carbon reduction investments.

When it comes to power, dams and power lines are still important; however, today’s definition of infrastructure must also include systems that produce power closer to the point of consumption. Specifically, opportunities for infrastructure investments exist in:

• Green power projects – Several technologies are emerging for power generation, including wind, tidal, solar power and biomass, as well as solutions that create power from waste and landfills. Aside from producing power more cleanly, these projects often have a smaller footprint and do not create the environmental impacts that often delay and derail large projects.

• Public sector carbon neutrality investments – Similar to the IT investments suggested, governments should be investing in internal infrastructure projects that reduce their footprint while also creating exportable expertise for Canadian vendors.

By investing smartly into the broad public sector, governments can use the economic stimulus investments to create new opportunities for companies in the technology industry, not only as a short term stimulus, but also as a longer term increase in competitiveness.

Infrastructure investments have to go beyond bricks and mortar.

I therefore call upon technology sector and our governments to develop new ideas, plans, projects, and recommendations that will help our economy manage this downturn smartly and prepare our Province and Country for its recovery and growth.

Sincerely,

Pascal Spothelfer
President & CEO
http://www.vitp.ca/techpark-blog/post/2009/01/Infrastructure-Investment-and-Economic-Stimulus---Thinking-outside-the-Bricks-and-Mortar-Box.aspx

[Only The Lonely..]

Looks like the Liberals are going to have to clean up this mess.

[cornholio]

im not sure what to think, honestly it doesnt seem enough but ill hold my judgment for now.

regarding tax cuts I would think that you would want to possibly even raise taxes in a recession while pumping that money back in to support services, retraining services for people caught up in the mess and obviously infrastructure spending. The public sector should be steping in and taking larger control when the economy is failing and again stepping back when its doing good.

By the sounds of it they want to do further tax cuts which just sounds like a bad idea right now, it will mean the money will evaporate in a chaotic economy in the middle of rapid change.