Ottawa looks to boost spending in 2013 budget
The Conservative government is preparing to commit long-term cash for infrastructure in its 2013 budget in an effort to squeeze more projects – including partnerships with the private sector – out of limited public funds.
In one of the very few areas of expected new spending, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s 2013 budget will renew an existing infrastructure program that is entering its final year.
It's an initiative which deserves applause. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, together with the Canada West Foundation, provide an update on the proposals made by the Municipal Infrastructure Forum (MIF) for Budget 2013.
The MIF partners have designed a 20-year roadmap for governments to provide secure, and stable investment that will strengthen our economy and keep pace with Canada's growing needs.
Potential solutions could include things like large-scale irrigation networks. Similar to the hugely succesful program in Alberta, an irrigation network allows the agriculture community to be productive despite drought for generations to come.