WHEREAS the Canada BC Infrastructure Program has been fully committed to delivering over 300 projects valued at over 800 million, plus additional local government contributions; AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada has provided a full GST rebate to local government and has embarked on a new partnership with local government in terms of a New Deal for Cities and Communities, which includes transfer to BC local governments of 635 million in gas tax revenues; AND WHEREAS the Government of BCs new Community Water Improvement Program is over-subscribed; AND WHEREAS despite these programs there remains a need for infrastructure investments to provide cleaner water, cleaner air, environmental protection and other community benefits that will enhance the quality of life in BC communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM call on the provincial and federal governments to implement the commitment to no reduction of current infrastructure program funding by committing to a long-term successor tripartite infrastructure program along the lines of the Canada-BC Local Government Infrastructure Program.
Ministry of Community Services The Ministry is pleased to acknowledge the success of past and present cost sharing programs for infrastructure. Although programs are routinely oversubscribed, applications are prioritized according to program criteria to provide the greatest benefit within available funding envelopes. The province is committed to water quality improvement initiatives and will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure that British Columbias communities can provide adequate safe drinking water to their residents. Both provincial and federal governments are aware of the ongoing need for capital funds for water and other infrastructure projects in local communities. The New Deal agreement is one significant source of new money and provides a groundbreaking approach to funding local needs by including UBCM as an equal partner in program delivery. Local government should understand that funding commitments typically run with federal and provincial budget cycles. This is an established aspect of program budgeting and a requirement of responsible fiscal policy.
Prime Ministers Office Liberal government On behalf of the Right Honourable Paul Martin, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your letter of October 25, with which you enclosed several resolutions of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities UBCM. You may be assured that the view expressed in the resolutions have been carefully considered. As copies of your correspondence have already been sent to the Ministers within whose responsibilities these matters fall, I am certain that they will have appreciated receiving this information.