Backgrounder - Achieving a Cleaner Environment

November 6, 2007

Maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment is directly related to the health and prosperity of Canadians. Infrastructure investments can be a powerful tool to help protect the environment for generations to come. That is why the Government of Canada is pursuing the protection of the environment as a national objective.

The government has developed the $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan to help provinces and territories, as well as municipalities ― both big and small ― meet their public infrastructure needs, through investments that will contribute to cleaner air, water and land.

Wastewater

The quality of wastewater effluent can have a direct impact on human health. Yet in too many cities and communities across Canada, treatment of wastewater is either insufficient or non-existent. Building Canada will encourage investments in wastewater infrastructure designed to improve the management and efficiency of wastewater and storm-water infrastructure.

Public Transit

Public transit is a key part of urban transportation infrastructure. Investments in public transit lead to improved accessibility, reductions in traffic congestion, improved air quality, better communities, and a stronger local and national economy. They also provide families with additional transportation choices, which can help them reduce their commute times. Building Canada will support transit investments that expand ridership and public access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to sustainable community development.

Green Energy

Canada needs cleaner, more efficient energy technologies, such as solar, wind and tidal power. Building Canada will stimulate investments in sustainable energy infrastructure that can improve the efficiency of Canada’s energy generation and distribution, increase the availability of renewable energy, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Solid Waste Management

Dealing with solid waste is a growing challenge faced by communities across Canada.  Building Canada will promote investments in solid-waste processing infrastructure that can reduce the volume of solid waste sent to landfills and the damaging environmental impact of solid waste disposal, including greenhouse gas emissions and increased energy recovery through innovative technology.

Brownfield Redevelopment

The redevelopment of brownfields — abandoned or underutilized commercial or industrial sites — offers many potential community benefits, including more compact and sustainable urban development and new sources of economic activity. As stated in the Speech from the Throne, Building Canada investments will be directed towards projects designed to reduce the environmental and health risks of contaminated sites in urban settings and encourage more sustainable municipal growth and efficient land use.