Canada – Canada and Saskatchewan announce investments in rural bridge and culvert projects

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Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of Minister Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations, announced more than $2.1 million in joint funding for five infrastructure projects across the province.

Regina, Saskatchewan, August 11, 2021—Investments in local infrastructure by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan during this unprecedented time will help stimulate the economy and address the needs of all communities, including rural and remote communities, as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of Minister Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations, announced more than $2.1 million in joint funding for five infrastructure projects across the province.

The funding will go toward replacing culverts and bridges across Saskatchewan that have reached the end of their service life. Rural bridges are key to the ability to efficiently move goods and services on the local transportation network. Replacing culverts reduces the risk of flooding, improves road conditions, and results in a more reliable rural road network.

Providing communities with reliable and sustainable infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments. The Government of Canada is investing $621,201 in five projects under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, as well as a further $250,036 to one of the projects under the Canada Community-Building Fund, for a combined total investment of $871,237. For projects requiring consultation with Indigenous groups, funding is conditional on all consultation requirements being met. The Government of Saskatchewan is also contributing over $1.2 million toward these five projects. Contributions by recipients toward their respective projects total more than $1.6 million. Funding recipients are responsible for any additional project costs.

“Through collaboration with provincial and municipal partners, we are funding critical infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan. The investment of more than $800,000 in federal funding to replace local bridges and culverts in five communities will make an important difference to local residents, creating jobs and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $776 million in rural communities across the province, including replacing or upgrading 164 km of highways and roads.”

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies

“The Government of Saskatchewan’s investment of more than $1.2 million demonstrates our commitment to supporting key infrastructure projects across the province while protecting the local economy. We’re proud to invest in these projects that will support transportation and movement of goods throughout Saskatchewan.”

The Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations

Marie-Pier Baril

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

613-295-8123

Marie-Pier.Baril@cfc-swc.gc.ca

Shaylyn McMahon

Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

Communications

306-787-4340

shaylyn.mcmahon@gov.sk.ca