Federal Government Allocates Nearly $10 Billion to Quebec for Infrastructure Projects

📅 3 days ago

Prime Minister Mark Carney announces a significant funding agreement with Quebec to enhance infrastructure, including public transit and healthcare facilities.

LONGUEUIL, QUE. — In a significant development for infrastructure funding, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that the federal government has finalized an agreement with Quebec, earmarking nearly $10 billion over the next decade for various infrastructure projects. This funding is poised to support the construction of new hospitals and bolster public transit systems across the province. Carney made the announcement earlier this week in Longueuil, located on Montreal’s South Shore, alongside Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette.
During the announcement, Carney emphasized the intention behind this funding initiative, stating, "This announcement is about strengthening Quebec, making communities across Quebec more prosperous, more sustainable, better health care, more connected, better places to live." The overarching goal is to provide communities with infrastructure that is rapid, affordable, and dependable.
As part of this funding package, Quebec is set to receive nearly $6 billion from Canada’s fund dedicated to public transit. This fund was initially established in 2024 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Carney noted that the funding was made available after extensive discussions with Premier Fréchette, focusing on Quebec’s priorities in health care and sustainable transportation.
Fréchette remarked on the importance of this federal investment, stating, "If we want to maintain our existing infrastructure — the infrastructure built by our parents and grandparents — we must secure our fair share of federal investment." She expressed satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting that Quebec is receiving more than its fair share of federal funding, specifically over 25 percent of Ottawa’s budget for public transit projects.
The funding will significantly impact various initiatives, including the Quebec City tramway project, known as the Tramcite Project, which has a conceptual value of $2.3 billion. Additionally, $1 billion is allocated to renovate and expand 17 hospitals by 2028-29, alongside $2.7 billion designated for higher education investments. Furthermore, $400 million will be invested in electrifying Quebec’s public transit fleets.
However, the announcement has drawn scrutiny from opposition parties within the Quebec legislature, who have questioned the timing of the funding deal. They allege that the Coalition Avenir Québec government is strategically positioning itself ahead of a general election scheduled for the fall. In response, Carney asserted that the initiative is centered around policy considerations rather than political maneuvering.
Fréchette also clarified that Quebec did not have to make any concessions to secure this funding. Since her appointment as premier in April, she indicated that discussions with Ottawa have intensified, signaling a collaborative effort to advance Quebec’s infrastructure needs.

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