(July 28, 2022) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MHA for Conception Bay South, says the close relationship between the Furey Liberals and their federal cousins is pointless if millions of dollars of federal infrastructure dollars are left unused.

The Canada Construction Association (CCA) shows the Furey Liberal Government has not availed of almost two-thirds of the provincial share of the $180 billion “Investing in Canada Plan”. The twelve-year plan is targeted at five key areas in need of infrastructure upgrades: Rural & Northern, Community, COVID-19, Green Infrastructure, and Public Transit.

According to the CCA, Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province to have left two-thirds of the available money on the table.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is leading the country in an abysmal failure to get money out the door, while we have 200 boil water orders and impending new Federal Wastewater regulations. It is incomprehensible why municipalities have shovel-ready projects and the Minister can’t get things moving,” said Petten.

“Much like the long-delayed roads plan, the Minister can’t seem to get projects approved and out the door, creating jobs and building much-needed infrastructure. I am at a loss to explain the failure.”

Petten noted other provinces like Ontario have already spent some 94% of their share.

“My office continues to hear from residents over poor road conditions, lack of safe drinking water, and other basic needs,” said Petten.

“The need is there; municipalities are ready; contractors are ready; now we just need the Minister.”

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Contacts:

Bradley Russell

Director of Digital Strategy

(cell) 709-729-3668

bradleyrussell@gov.nl.ca