WHEREAS the continual downloading of costs and responsibilities from provincial and federal governments to local governments is neither fair nor properly planned; AND WHEREAS local governments do not have the tax base nor capacity to maintain what were once the responsibilities of provincial and federal governments; AND WHEREAS Canada faces a significant infrastructure deficit that requires the adequate attention of all levels of government: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM lobby the provincial and federal governments for a response to infrastructure needs that is based on a fair assessment of the financial and logistical capacity of all levels of government.
Ministry of Community, Sport Cultural Development The Province recognizes local governments concern with respect to the capital, operational and maintenance costs for infrastructure and the services that the infrastructure provides. The province also recognizes the shared responsibility that all levels of government have in ensuring this infrastructure, and the services it provides, is managed in an effective and efficient manner, supporting long-term viability and financial sustainability. The Province continues to work on developing infrastructure funding programs that meet the needs of local governments in British Columbia. This includes ongoing discussions with the federal government and looking at opportunities to develop programs that address long-term infrastructure needs in a fair and equitable way.
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure Communities The Government of Canada is taking action and is making strategic investments in infrastructure that contribute to our economy, job creation, a cleaner environment, and strong and prosperous communities. In Budget 2011, our government committed to work with provinces, territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and other stakeholders to develop a long-term plan for public infrastructure that extends beyond the expiry of the Building Canada plan in 2014. To fulfill this commitment, the Government of Canada launched a three-phased, federally-led engagement process on November 30, 2011, through which we will work with our provinces, territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities - and other key stakeholders, to take stock of accomplishments to date, identify gaps and strategic priorities, and confirm the principles of the next infrastructure agenda. Other major elements of the Building Canada plan will continue to provide a source of long-term, predictable funding for municipalities. More than 50 percent of Building Canada, or 17.6 billion over seven years, goes to municipalities to fund their priorities through the Gas Tax Fund and through the increased GST Rebate. As you may know, on December 15, 2011, Bill C-13 entitled Keeping Canadas Economy and Jobs Growing Act received Royal Assent, thereby delivering on the Budget 2011 commitment to legislate the Gas Tax Fund as a permanent source of long-term sustainable funding at 2 billion per year, so that municipalities can count on this stable funding for their infrastructure needs now and in the future.