Local Infrastructure Forms Foundation for Canada's Economic Growth

TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - AMO President Russ Powers will bring an important municipal voice to the Building Canada Up Summit today in Toronto.  The national summit is part of an effort by Canada's premiers to focus on the role of infrastructure investments in creating jobs and attracting investment.

"Local infrastructure – from roads and water treatment to libraries and community centres – form the very foundation of our communities and underpin the quality of life that makes our communities attractive for business and more competitive globally," said Powers, who was invited to participate in the day-long event.

The Building Canada Up Summit will gather feedback from leading industry, government and non-governmental experts on infrastructure.  It is hosted by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who leads the Canadian Premiers' Council of Federation working group on the issue.

"Municipalities own and operate more infrastructure than either the federal or provincial governments, yet in Ontario, they receive only nine cents of every tax dollar," Powers said.  "AMO welcomes the opportunity to discuss how predictable, stable funding from federal and provincial governments can create more prosperous communities by supporting the essential infrastructure that our economy depends upon."

The summit will focus on key questions, such as the economic return on infrastructure investments, what types of investments support economic growth and how the federal government can contribute to support Canada's global competitiveness.  It will also look at the role of private sector partnership in infrastructure.

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's 444 municipal governments.  AMO supports and enhances strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada's political system.

SOURCE: Association of Municipalities of Ontario

Brian Lambie, AMO Media Contact, 416-729-5425, [email protected]; Follow AMO on Twitter: @AMOPolicy