Atlantic Canadian Ministers Urge Government of Canada to Establish New Infrastructure Funding Program

Strategic Insights -

Atlantic Canadian Ministers gathered to address the critical need for a long-term infrastructure funding program to support interprovincial and international trade and economic prosperity. As the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the New Building Canada Fund come to a close, provinces are facing a significant funding shortfall for roads, highways, and bridges. Climate change, rising road usage, and aging infrastructure are putting a strain on transportation systems across the region. With the Chignecto Isthmus Resiliency Project and aging ferries in need of repair or replacement, a new funding program is urgently needed to support ambitious nation-building projects and grow interprovincial and international trade.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of Canada is being urged to establish a new, long-term infrastructure funding program to support critical transportation networks.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the New Building Canada Fund are set to conclude, leaving provinces with a significant funding shortfall for roads, highways, and bridges.
  • Climate change, rising road usage, and aging infrastructure are causing costly repairs and disruptions to supply chains across the region.
  • The Chignecto Isthmus Resiliency Project, a critical trade corridor for Atlantic Canada and the Nation, is in urgent need of funding.
  • Marine transportation is also critical for the movement of people and goods essential to Atlantic Canadians and the economy, with aging ferries requiring extensive repairs or replacement.
  • The region plays a vital role in connecting Canadian exports to global markets, with goods primarily transported by the highway system to major ports or rail lines.
  • Atlantic Canada's total exports reached $40.3 billion in 2024, an increase from the previous year.
  • Recent federal investments in housing, water, waste management, and transit, as well as lower Marine Atlantic ferry fares and tolls on the Confederation Bridge, do not address the pressing need for transportation infrastructure renewal.
  • A replacement funding program is necessary to support ambitious nation-building projects and grow interprovincial and international trade.

Statistics:

  • Atlantic Canada's total exports reached $40.3 billion in 2024, an increase from the previous year.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the New Building Canada Fund will conclude, leaving provinces with a significant funding shortfall for roads, highways, and bridges.
  • Climate change, rising road usage, and aging infrastructure are causing costly repairs and disruptions to supply chains across the region.
  • The Chignecto Isthmus Resiliency Project is a critical trade corridor for Atlantic Canada and the Nation, requiring urgent funding.
  • Atlantic Canada plays a vital role in connecting Canadian exports to global markets.

Sources:

  • Government of Prince Edward Island - News Release: "Atlantic Canadian Ministers Urge Government of Canada to Establish New Infrastructure Funding Program"