The ministers agreed the partnership is an excellent example of how different levels of government can work together for the benefit of Canadians. This agreement will see improvements made throughout Manitoba, particularly in areas where the infrastructure falls short of provincial standards, such as the North and Winnipeg's inner city. In this way, the partnership will make a real difference in the quality of life for all Manitobans. An important priority for the agreement is green municipal infrastructure. Like previous federal-provincial infrastructure agreements, the new program will emphasize local input and involvement.
Mechanisms are in place to ensure input from local government throughout the life of the program.
The Infrastructure Canada-Manitoba agreement provides for the establishment of a joint management committee to administer the program, and recommend projects for funding. With the signing of the agreement, Western Economic Diversification takes responsibility for the federal involvement in implementation of Infrastructure Canada in Manitoba, under the direction of implementing minister Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification and Francophonie. For the Province, the Agreement will be managed by Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs. Canada and Manitoba have established a joint secretariat, the Canada Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat, to deliver the Manitoba program. Infrastructure Canada deals with municipal infrastructure.