Amarjeet Sohi

[Infrastructure, June 5th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, the bank has been set up with the same legal structure as many other crown corporations. I can assure the hon. member that any project undertaken by the bank will be required to follow all provincial, territorial, and municipal laws. We have committed to investing in infrastructure to support our provinces and municipalities. We will do that while respecting the local decision-making processes.

[Infrastructure, June 5th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, last week we welcomed 2,000 delegates of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to the annual conference here in Ottawa. Working together with these municipal leaders, we have announced 2,900 projects with a combined investment of $23 billion since taking office. FCM calls our 2017 budget “a game-changer for municipalities”. We will continue to work with the municipalities.

[Infrastructure, June 5th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times, the bank is only one optional tool available to municipalities when it comes to supporting infrastructure that their communities need.

Let me tell the House what the International Monetary Fund had to say about the bank. It said, “the proposed Canada Infrastructure Bank...will be an effective instrument in achieving this goal”, which is to grow our economy, create opportunities for the middle class, and provide the necessary support that our municipalities need to build the infrastructure they need.

[Infrastructure, June 5th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, we have a tripled our infrastructure investments compared to the last government. FCM, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, calls budget 2017 “a game-changer for municipalities”.

We are committed to investing in infrastructure, and only a small portion, 10% of the entire infrastructure plan, will be delivered through the bank. We are committed to supporting every municipality, regardless of its size—big urban centres, mid-size cities, and small cities. We understand that diversity of—

[Infrastructure, June 5th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I am puzzled by the hon. member's question. On the one hand she accuses us of being too close with the private sector, with banks, and on the other hand she is telling us that government will have too much power in decision-making.

We have created the right balance. We will allow the bank to be an arm's-length organization and make decisions on its own, but it will still be accountable to Parliament. We want to make sure that we undertake projects that are in the public interest, that help grow the economy and create opportunities for the middle class, and also help—

[Infrastructure, June 5th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, unlike the Harper government, we respect local decision-making and we allow local municipalities to determine which procurement model they want to use. The bank is an optional tool available to them, as the Prime Minister stated on Friday.

As a matter of fact, our plan is very much appreciated by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and many of other partners. They twice gave a standing ovation to the Prime Minister in recognition of the commitment we have shown to them.

[Infrastructure, June 2nd, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, we have been in touch with the Province of Quebec to assure it that the role of the bank is not, in any way, to undermine the regulations and laws that are in place in every province, territory, and municipality. We work very closely with all provinces to be sure they are rightly supported to build the infrastructure, whether it is housing, public transit, or recreational and cultural facilities; or building shelters for women fleeing from domestic violence; seniors care facilities; or helping to welcome newcomers into our communities, all multicultural communities, or any other support that they need. We are here to stand with them while respecting the laws that we have.

[Infrastructure, June 2nd, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, the bank is one very important tool that is available to our municipalities and provinces to build the infrastructure they need.

As I said earlier, I want to assure the hon. member that the bank would have to abide by all the laws that are in place in provinces, territories, and municipalities.

Our goal is to make sure that our provinces, territories, and municipalities understand that we are here to help them build the infrastructure they need, whether it is housing or recreational facilities, or any other amenities they need to build strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

[Infrastructure, June 2nd, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, the bank has been set over the same legal structure and framework as many other crown corporations. Any project undertaken by the Canada infrastructure bank will be required to follow all provincial, territorial, and municipal laws.

We have committed to invest a historic amount of resources to build Canadian communities and rebuild infrastructure where there is a need. We will do that for every province, while respecting the regulations that are currently in place.

[Infrastructure, June 2nd, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, our government knows how important our water and waste-water systems are to the health and well-being of Canadians. That is why we introduced a $2 billion clean water and wastewater fund. Last week, we announced 730 water projects across Ontario, with a combined investment of $1 billion, including in the member's own riding of Glengarry—Prescott—Russell. We have announced more projects in one year than the previous government did in four years combined.