Minister's Update: One Year Later

Ottawa – December 5, 2016

It has been just over a year since I was sworn in as a Member of Parliament and appointed Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

I was proud to accept the Prime Minister's ambitious mandate. And one year later, I am proud of what our government and our department have accomplished to support the middle class and deliver real results for Canadians.

Engaging with Canadians, meeting with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, participating in events and touring project sites are some of the most enjoyable and fulfilling parts of my role as Minister. Wherever I travel in Canada, I see the positive impacts of our infrastructure investments and how they are improving the lives of Canadians.

Shovels in the ground for the Edmonton Light Rail Transit expansion

Touring the Gordie Howe Bridge

Behind the wheel of an Edmonton Transit System (ETS) bus

In June, I attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Annual Conference. From engaging with delegates in the trade show, to sitting down with mayors of small, rural, remote and northern communities, to introducing the Prime Minister during the opening ceremony, it was a truly rewarding experience. I heard firsthand how by working together, we are improving the lives of Canadians through infrastructure.

Through the spring and summer, we talked to Canadians from all across the country. We reached out to stakeholders, other Government departments, and the general public online and in person, and we connected with Canadians in every province and territory to identify their infrastructure needs and priorities. And these conversations helped to inform the design of Investing in Canada, our long-term infrastructure plan

The initial phase of this plan has focused on making repairs to our critical infrastructure. We have already approved more than 800 projects, with almost 70% of those underway. These projects will create jobs, support our communities, and strengthen the economy.

We released some of the details of our long-term plan in November's Fall Economic Statement (FES), and demonstrated our commitment to Canadians. Going forward, our investments will focus on five key areas – public transit; green infrastructure; social infrastructure; transportation infrastructure that supports trade; and rural and northern communities. Investments in these areas will help build the places where people live and work. The FES also announced two new innovative tools for communities: a Smart Cities Challenge and the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

As hundreds of projects are moving forward, we continue our work on both the new Champlain Bridge in Montreal and Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor. These bridges are important to our economy and helping to grow the middle class. The Windsor-Detroit Gateway is the busiest commercial land crossing along the Canada-US border. The existing Champlain Bridge sees an estimated $20 billion in trade cross it every year. We are committed to getting these projects delivered for Canadians.

Meeting with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board of Directors

Announcing additional investments for public transit infrastructure in Toronto

Delivering a speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade

Working hard for Canadians in the House of Commons

Our department has also worked very hard to deliver on our government's commitment to openness and transparency. Through Infrastructure Canada's investments map, Canadians can now learn about all of the investments that the department is making where they live.

Investing in infrastructure is really about investing in Canada and as I look back on the past 12 months, I am proud of what we have accomplished for Canadians. I am grateful and humbled by those who have enabled me to serve this country and I am thankful for the dedicated public servants who work with me to deliver for Canadians. There is much more to be done in the coming years and I look forward to continuing our work together for the people of Canada.