Business View Magazine | December 2020

267 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2020 MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA to help fund smaller, local projects that can be completed quickly. Whether it’s creating safe and vibrant public spaces, helping people get around more easily, or improving digital access such as Wi-Fi hotspots, these locally-driven solutions will help communities safely re-engage and re-energize. By inspiring communities to come together, form partnerships and explore ways to address these challenges, we’re creating the foundation to tackle bigger issues that are defining our generation such as climate change. Smart economic decisions = smart climate change decisions We all benefit when infrastructure is improved. New walking and cycling paths allow us to stay active. New and upgraded waste water treatment plants and water mains keep our water clean. Broadband connects us digitally. Social housing provides a foundation for everyone in our communities to fully participate in society. We can all see and feel these changes. But what may not be as obvious is how vital infrastructure is to fighting climate change. We know that green infrastructure creates resilient communities and stronger economies. As well, the decisions we make about infrastructure now will not only help strengthen our economic recovery efforts but will also help put us on a path to meet our climate targets. The Government of Canada is firmly committed to protecting the environment and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, which is why the Investing in Canada plan is providing $26.9 billion to ensure access to safe water, clean air and greener communities where Canadians can watch their children play and grow. Of that, $9.2 billion is being invested through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Green Infrastructure Stream in projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change, and to deliver clean water and safely Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Canada