Expansion of New Building Canada Fund Guidelines

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, issued the following statement today regarding the Government of Canada’s announcement this morning that it is expanding the eligibility criteria for projects to be funded under the New Building Canada Plan.
“I’m pleased to share that the federal government has confirmed to us that they are expanding the criteria to access federal infrastructure funding and will allow BC Ferries to apply for funding to cover BC Ferry infrastructure.
“This has been a priority for me and for my ministry. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Amarjeet Sohi, the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, to highlight our priorities and recommendations for transportation and infrastructure projects, and to put changes to the criteria to access federal funding, in particular for ferry projects, on their agenda.
“I want to thank Sohi, Delta MP Carla Qualtrough – who has also advocated for the importance of ferry infrastructure – and the federal government for recognizing with this decision our ferry fleet for our coastal communities.
“This is truly great news for British Columbia. Our coastal and inland ferry systems are a critical social and commercial link for citizens, families and businesses in many B.C. communities. I’m pleased to see that our federal colleagues are sharing in our vision of an affordable and sustainable ferry system. With this funding, BC Ferries will be able to stretch their investment further, which will help us keep ferry rates affordable.
“Today’s announcement from Canada reflects the strong working relationship we’ve been building since the first day the new federal government took office. I’m grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to meet with our federal counterparts and look forward to continued dialogue moving forward.”