REGINA, Sask. — Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz and several Saskatchewan municipal leaders are travelling to Ottawa this week to meet with federal leaders as part of the province's ongoing efforts for improved infrastructure investment programs.
"Investing in infrastructure remains a top priority for Saskatchewan's municipalities and we need greater flexibility in the federal government's cost-shared funding programs," Schmalz said.
"Through our Team Saskatchewan approach, we are able to deliver this message directly to Ottawa, supporting the ability of our municipalities to meet the needs of growing communities."
Schmalz will be joined by the cities of Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Swift Current, North Battleford, Yorkton, Weyburn and Lloydminster as well as leaders of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North) in Ottawa Oct. 6 and 7.
"Strong communities are built on strong infrastructure and continued partnerships between municipalities and other orders of government are key to meeting the needs of growing communities," mayor of Lloydminster Gerald Aalbers said.
"It is important that those needs are heard and understood at the federal level so municipalities can plan responsibly, address local priorities and invest for the future. I appreciate the opportunity to join municipal leaders from across Saskatchewan in Ottawa and continue advocating for our communities."
According to Sask. Government Relations, current cost-shared infrastructure programs are smaller and limited in scope than previous programs like the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program, which resulted in more than $2 billion allocated to 460 municipal infrastructure projects throughout the province, including recreational facilities, water and wastewater projects, municipal bridges and landfill projects.
While the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada work toward an agreement on administering the Provincial-Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund, Sask. Government Relations says Schmalz and municipal leaders will deliver the message to Ottawa that greater flexibility is required for municipalities seeking cost-shared funding for different types of infrastructure projects.
