Business View Civil & Municipal l November 2022

156 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 planning and stakeholder engagement activities. And the RTSF will support the development of locally driven transit solutions for rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada understands the need for predictability when it comes to public transit funding, so that communities can continue to develop and maintain their transit systems. Over the coming months, we will work with provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, transit agencies, policy experts and other stakeholders to develop an approach to permanent public transit funding that offers the greatest benefits to Canadians. The new permanent public transit funding announced in February 2021 will provide $5.9 billion over 5 years and $3 billion per year starting in 2026-27. Permanent public transit funding is a key opportunity to address shared challenges, such as increasing the supply and affordability of housing, building sustainable communities, and fighting against climate change, in keeping with our commitments in Budget 2022 and the Emissions Reduction Plan. Green infrastructure is a key component of our efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy. Without investments to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, our productivity will lag, and people will be left behind. That is why we are investing in natural infrastructure, less energy- intensive buildings, and clean power. We continue to work towards our commitment of getting Canada to net-zero emissions by 2050, helping communities across the country address climate- related challenges and build a greener future. Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, $9.2 billion has been earmarked for green infrastructure projects, meaning a better access to clean drinking water, cleaner air, and greener, more sustainable communities. Photo Credit: Matt Hanns Schroeter