February 19, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Budget 2003 provides major investments that will help our cities in many ways. These measures, which are over and above the Infrastructure Program, also impact on the environment, affordable housing, help for the homeless, help for Aboriginal Peoples in urban centres, and help for disadvantaged children.

This budget reinforces the federal assistance announced in previous budgets by investing an additional $3 billion over the next 10 years, including $2 billion on major projects and $1 billion on smaller projects.

This investment is on top of the $5.25 billion already allocated for infrastructure in recent federal budgets.

Budget 2003 also announces several environmental initiatives totalling $3 billion, including help for cities to improve the quality of life of their citizens.

This funding will make it possible to implement the climate change strategy, improve air quality, and clean up contaminated federal sites.

In our large cities, too many Canadians have trouble finding affordable housing.

To help cities alleviate this problem, Budget 2003 will invest $384 million over the next three years to extend the housing renovation program.

In addition, $320 million will be earmarked over the next five years to stimulate construction of affordable rental accommodation, by enhancing and extending cost-sharing agreements with the provinces and territories.

In 1999, the government launched the three-year National Homelessness Initiative to offer new and better services for homeless people living in Canadian urban centres. Budget 2003 will ensure that this program continues by providing it with $135 million each year for three years.

The federal government is also extending the initiative under which surplus federal buildings are made available to homeless people by facilitating their transfer to communities.

The government recognizes the special difficulties faced by Aboriginal Peoples in urban centres. Budget 2003 will allocate $17 million over two years to set up pilot projects to identify new ways of responding to the needs of Aboriginal Peoples living in our cities.

The quality of life enjoyed by Canadian families and children is an essential element of the vigour of our communities and cities. In Budget 2003, the government is making major investments in the area of income support and services for the families and children that need such assistance.

For example, an additional $965 million will be allocated each year for the Canada Child Tax Benefit supplement, and $935 million will be invested over five years to improve access to child care and to initiatives promoting learning by young children.