2014-2024 Québec Infrastructure Plan - Rigorous and responsible management of public infrastructure investments

QUÉBEC, June 4, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Minister responsible for Government Administration and Ongoing Program Review and Chair of the Conseil du trésor, Martin Coiteux, unveiled the 2014-2024 Québec Infrastructure Plan, which provides for investments of $90.3 billion, primarily for asset maintenance and economic development. The key difference with this new plan is the significant transparency in the management of investments: for the first time, it features a list of all Government projects of $50 million or more, broken down by sector.

"Economic recovery is also a priority for this Government and will be supported, in particular, by our investments in public infrastructure. Again, rigorous and responsible decision-making is crucial. This is how we made the projections for public infrastructure investments," explained Minister Coiteux.

Countering obsolescence and ensuring public safety

With the 2014-2024 Québec Infrastructure Plan, the Government is devoting close to 60% of investment dollars to maintaining and upgrading existing assets, and is making public safety and well-being an absolute priority. "Above all else, we must deal with our ageing infrastructure. Our roads, schools and hospitals are the front line for delivering services to the public, and we must ensure they remain a source of pride for all Quebecers," he added.

Fostering economic development

The Government is delivering on its commitment to support economic development and job creation by introducing projects that will enable major roadwork to move forward, deploying the Maritime Strategy and re-launching the Northern Plan. These choices will make it possible to create or maintain 53,000 jobs province-wide, and will bring about a true long-term vision of the transportation of the people and products essential to the economic development of the Capitale-Nationale, greater Montréal and all of Québec, while giving special consideration to vulnerable populations.

This plan also calls for an advance of $300 million for projects that will have a rapid impact on the economy. Of this amount, $250 million will be used to finance additional road network and local roadway projects, as well as priority renovations to schools and hospitals. Furthermore, $50 million will be earmarked for studies related to major projects the Government deems to be a priority.

Demonstrating greater transparency

The rigorous and responsible management of public infrastructure investments will be conducted with exemplary transparency. For the first time since the release of Québec's first infrastructure plan in 2007, the Government is appending a list of all projects of $50 million or more, whether they are in the execution, planning or study phase. This increased transparency will shed light on the methods as well as the planning and management processes used for projects, giving taxpayers a clear picture of the resources allocated to the projects in which they have invested a significant portion of their taxes.

"Governance rules for the management, selection, approval and monitoring of projects will be strengthened in the coming year so as to better rank projects based on clearly defined priorities, enable improved control of project costs, and keep the asset inventory in an appropriate and safe condition. "With the 2014-2024 Québec Infrastructure Plan, we are showing how rigour, prosperity and transparency in the use of public funds can be reconciled to ensure a better future for all," concluded Minister Coiteux.

SOURCE: Cabinet du président du Conseil du trésor, ministre responsable de l'Administration gouvernementale

Marie-Ève Labranche
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister responsible for
Government Administration and Ongoing
Program Review and Chair of the Conseil du
trésor
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