Olivia to Minister Lebel: Ensure Transparency and Accountability in Infrastructure Development

November 30,2011

Ms. Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the so-called build Canada infrastructure fund will run out in 2014, but this government cannot be trusted to give municipalities what they need: accountable, comprehensive and transparent funding. It does not even know how many jobs were created from the economic action plan.

To ensure transparency and accountability this time, will the minister commit to tabling progress reports on each phase of his consultations

Hon. Denis Lebel (Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities): Mr. Speaker, I was very proud this morning, on behalf of the Prime Minister, to launch the new three phase process for a new infrastructure plan.
I have here bursaries from the Fédération canadienne des municipalités, Connect Canada, Engineers Canada, and Union des municipalités du Québec, all supporting the great job we are doing with infrastructure.

Ms. Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina, NDP): Mr. Speaker, two out of three infrastructure applications from first nation communities have been rejected since 2006. That is close to 1,000 applications from aboriginal communities for roads, sewage treatment and clean water. The first nations were just told no. The result is desperate situations. These important applications should not be dismissed. They should be reviewed and approved.
Why does the infrastructure minister continue to tolerate third world conditions in first nations communities?

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Attawapiskat First Nation
• Infrastructure Fund
• Lebel
• Economic Action Plan

[jennifer171986]

dismissed? whhy...thats odd