jan-2018

56 57 all orders of government have declined in recent decades, leading to what is known as Canada’s ‘infrastructure deficit.’ The Federation of Canadian Municipalities estimated that Canada’s municipal infrastructure deficit is $123 billion and growing by $2 billion annually. I was appointed as the first Minister dedicated to Infrastructure and Com- munities in 2015, illustrating our government’s strong commitment to infrastructure and to ad- dressing this deficit.” BVM: What are the objective goals of theMinistry? Sohi: “Infrastructure Canada leads federal efforts to ensure that all Canadians benefit from modern public infrastructure. “We are a key funding partner, working with provinces, territories, municipalities, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, along with other federal departments and with Indigenous communities in selecting projects, establishing indicators, and creating targets to ensure that investments lead to meaningful results for Ca- nadians. It is also instrumental in developing policies, delivering programs, and collecting and THE MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITIES OF CANADA Infrastructure investments are about helping Canadians connect to their communities: mod- ern, accessible public transit allows people to get around their cities more easily, and reduc- es gridlock; investing in water and wastewater projects means that parents can trust their children are drinking cleaner, safer water; and improvements to broadband services in rural communities helps local businesses engage and compete in today’s economy. THE HONOURABLE AMARJEET SOHI sharing data, knowledge and best practices. “These investments address local and regional infrastruc- ture needs, while advancing national priorities. This, in turn, helps make the water Cana- dians drink and the air they breathe cleaner, keeps people and goods on the move, and makes Canada’s economy stronger.”