The Ministers agreed the partnership is an excellent example of how different levels of government can work together for the benefit of all Canadians. The first priority for Infrastructure Canada investment in British Columbia, as in the rest of Canada, is green municipal infrastructure. Infrastructure Canada evolved from the grass roots, and will continue to do so. Municipalities know their needs best.
Mechanisms are in place to ensure input from local government throughout the life of the program.
Minister Wilson said the program's first priority is in keeping with a key component of B.C. Premier Ujjal Dosanjh's Eight Point Plan, a greener society, through the government's Green Economy Initiative. It combines the values British Columbians hold for the environment with economic opportunities that are created in protecting the environment. Minister McGregor said reliable water and sewer facilities are needed to enable communities and British Columbians to have safe drinking water and clean rivers and lakes for their health, their families and economic growth. The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint management committee to administer the program, and recommend projects for funding. Infrastructure Canada deals with municipal infrastructure.