This release was issued under a previous government.

The Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, the Hon. Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta and the Hon. Diana McQueen, Minister of Municipal Affairs for Alberta celebrated today a renewed federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) Agreement that provides predictable, stable funding for public infrastructure across Alberta.

The federal GTF provides municipalities with the flexibility to choose and plan infrastructure projects based on their specific priorities. The renewed agreement governs the flow of an estimated $2.27 billion in federal funds to Alberta over the next 10 years, from 2014-15 until 2023-24. This year $208 million has been made available for local projects that meet the needs of communities across the province.

“Our Government’s unprecedented support for public infrastructure is ensuring communities across the country enjoy a high standard of living, new economic opportunities, and a safe, healthy environment. The federal Gas Tax Fund will allow Alberta communities to address their specific infrastructure priorities, growing jobs here in the province and the overall Canadian economy.”

The Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism on behalf of the Hon. Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

“Since 2006, our Government has been investing in infrastructure projects that strengthen the economy and contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities across the country. Through the federal Gas Tax Fund, we are ensuring that Alberta municipalities can continue to develop and rehabilitate their public infrastructure to create jobs today and pave the way for growth and prosperity in the future.”

The Hon. Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta

“We know the importance of infrastructure projects to communities across Alberta, many of which are experiencing record levels of growth. By building a strong partnership with the federal government we have come to a new agreement that supports Alberta’s capital plans and the needs of our province’s growing population. Together we are making investments that support our economy and improve the quality of life of Albertans.”

The Hon. Jim Prentice, Premier and Minister of Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations

“The Government of Alberta knows strong municipalities are the backbone of our great province, and by supporting their individual needs, we are enhancing the quality of life of all Albertans. The federal Gas Tax Fund gives communities the flexible funding they need to address their unique priorities, and ensure that Alberta remains the best place to work, play and raise a family.”

The Hon. Diana McQueen, Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs

Since 2006, significant improvements have been made to the Gas Tax Fund; it has been extended, doubled, indexed and made permanent. By enshrining these commitments in legislation, provinces, territories and municipalities are assured of an ongoing funding stream to address their municipal infrastructure needs and priorities. Eligible categories have also been expanded, providing municipalities with more flexibility than ever before to support local infrastructure.

With this agreement the Governments of Canada and Alberta are ensuring a seamless transition to the New Building Canada Plan, the largest long-term federal commitment to investing in Canada’s public infrastructure in our nation’s history.

Quick Facts

  • Canada's Gas Tax Fund transfer has provided $14 billion to Canadian communities to date. Over the 10-year life of the New Building Canada Plan from 2014 to 2024, the Gas Tax Fund will provide close to $22 billion in funding for municipalities.
  • In total, the New Building Canada Plan will provide $53 billion in funding to communities across the country over the next decade. For Alberta, this represents more than $3.2 billion in dedicated federal funding, including almost $942 million under the New Building Canada Fund and an estimated $2.27 billion under the federal Gas Tax Fund*.
  • Since the beginning of the program, over 2,000 projects have benefitted from funding under the Gas Tax Fund in Alberta.
  • For example, during the 2013 construction season, the federal Gas Tax Fund supported projects such as:
    • City of Calgary – East Calgary Waste Management Facility
    • City of St. Albert – Storm Water Infrastructure Rehabilitation
    • City of Lethbridge – Helen Schuler Nature Centre Expansion and Rehabilitation
    • Strathcona County – Ardrossan Wastewater to Regional Plant (new Force Main-pipeline)
    • Town of Manning – Treated Water Tower Reservoir/Pumphouse Upgrade
  • Eligible investment categories under this Fund include: drinking water; wastewater and solid waste; public transit; community energy systems; local roads and bridges; capacity building; disaster mitigation; broadband connectivity; brownfield redevelopment; regional and local airports; and projects supporting culture, tourism, sport and recreation.