The 2017 federal budget was released on March 22 and today I am pleased to highlight some of the important investments our government is making.
One of the most significant contributions to our region is the additional $25-million investment in FedNor funding over the next five years.
FedNor is a program run by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada that funds initiatives that promote economic development, innovation, and job creation in Northern Ontario.
Past FedNor projects have been very successful, and I look forward to seeing what this investment will do to address the ongoing economic challenges in our region.
Along with the increases to FedNor funding, the government has allocated $2 billion towards infrastructure projects in northern and rural communities throughout Canada.
This measure takes into account the unique needs of regions like Northwestern Ontario.
The funding builds on the investments made in last year’s budget and is aimed towards a wide range of projects, including road access, expanding Internet access, and the replacement of energy systems.
Investing in infrastructure creates good, well-paying jobs that help the middle class grow and prosper today.
By making it easier to move people and products, well-planned infrastructure can deliver sustained economic growth for years to come.
Last year’s budget invested $11.9 billion in infrastructure projects that already are making a difference in communities across the country, including creating or maintaining an estimated 100,000 jobs.
These projects include 547 public transit projects, 721 projects under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, 1,022 projects to retrofit or renovate 48,437 social housing units, and 965 projects aimed at building and improving housing in indigenous communities.
This year’s budget puts Canada’s greatest strength–its skilled, talented, and creative citizens–at the heart of a more innovative future economy.
This budget significantly boosts federal support to provinces and territories by $2.7 billion over six years to help more unemployed and under-employed Canadians access the training and supports they need to find and keep good jobs.
It also will invest $225 million over four years to identify and fill skill gaps in the economy to help Canadians be best prepared for the future labour market.
The budget also makes an important addition of $3.4 billion in funding towards improving conditions for indigenous people in Canada. Last year’s budget committed an unprecedented $8.4 billion in investments to support the shared interests between Canada and indigenous peoples.
Since then, we have made meaningful progress together, including the planning, construction, or renovation of nearly 6,000 on-reserve housing units, the construction of six new schools which now are being attended by 2,000 indigenous students, and the lifting of 18 long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations’ communities.
This year’s additional $3.4 billion will go towards continuing this important work.
The government also honoured our campaign promise to increase funding for the Post-Secondary Student Success Program by investing a further $90 million into it.
This is extremely good news for indigenous students, as well as the Northwestern Ontario educational institutes they access.
I’m proud to see that many investments in this year’s will affect Northern Ontario positively. Increased funding for FedNor and targeted infrastructure funding are vital to the economic growth of our region and demonstrates an understanding of the distinct challenges we face.
This budget builds on our government’s ongoing commitment to growing Canada’s economy and strengthening the middle class by providing access to social supports, improving infrastructure, and creating jobs for Canadians.
With these smart investments and a commitment to fairness, the government will ensure Canada’s best days lie ahead.
