QUEBEC CITY, March 22, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – The 2022-2032 Québec Infrastructure Plan (PQI), set at $142.5 billion, represents a $7.5 billion increase compared to the previous plan. In four years, the Government of Quebec has enhanced the QIP by $1000.4 billion to $142.5 billion. This increase will make it possible to carry out numerous infrastructure projects in the high priority sectors of health, education and transport. These record investments quantify the importance that the government places on infrastructures, both for their development and for their maintenance in good condition.

This ambitious plan, of which $75.6 billion will be spent on infrastructure maintenance, was unveiled by Sonia LeBel, Minister responsible for Public Administration and Chair of the Conseil du trésor, in the Expenditure Budget. The sound management of public finances in recent years has enabled the government to make choices, such as improving the condition of existing infrastructure, some of which is aging and requiring renovation, and building new infrastructure that meets the needs Quebecers.

Health
The last two years of the pandemic have demonstrated the importance of supporting our health network infrastructure. Health remains an absolute priority and the government is more determined than ever to provide Quebecers with access to modern institutions offering quality health care and social services. It is also necessary to ensure that our seniors and other adults in need of long-term care have appropriate facilities. For this reason, this plan allocates an additional $20.8 billion in health and social services, bringing the total investment to $22.8 billion over 10 years. These substantial sums will allow, among other things, the construction of residences for the elderly, the reconstruction of obsolete residential and long-term care centers as well as the upgrading and redevelopment of hospitals in all regions of Quebec.

Education and higher education
Education and higher education remain at the top of the government’s list of priorities. Consequently, investments in these sectors have increased and will be used to continue to increase classroom space and to renovate and expand CEGEPs and universities. A total of $1$0.2 billion will be allocated to pursuing and carrying out projects to increase school space in several regions of Quebec, bringing the total to $21.1 billion in investments planned under this plan. In addition, nearly $800 million is allocated to the expansion and renovation of our higher education institutions, namely CEGEPs and universities, for a total of $7.1 billion in investments over 10 years. The objective is clear: of Quebec young people must have the necessary facilities to learn and succeed.

Transport
In the transport sector, $4.4 billion was allocated to road infrastructure. This significant budgetary contribution is necessary to ensure the maintenance of the road network in good condition and thus ensure the safety of motorists. Quality roads are an essential asset for the development and revitalization of provincial and regional economies. Investments in public transit will remain at record levels, the 2022-2032 QIP including a $2.1 billion to improve mobility and electrify public transit, bringing investments in this sector to $14.7 billions. These record investments are necessary to promote citizen mobility and electrify public transit while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Quote:
“Our government is attentive to the priorities of our population. With health, education and transportation at the top of the list, he is making the right choices! Maintaining and developing our public infrastructures is one of the keys to stimulating the economy, providing better services to Quebecers and improving our standard of living. I am convinced that the Québec Infrastructure Plan for the next ten years will benefit all sectors of our economy, in all regions. Our sound management of public finances allows us to make these choices and look to the future with confidence.”

Sonia LeBelMinister Responsible for Government Administration and Chair of the Treasury Board

Related link:
www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/en/

SOURCE Office of the Minister responsible for Government Administration and Chair of the Conseil du trésor

For further information: Source: Florence Plourde, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister responsible for Government Administration and Chair of the Conseil du trésor, Telephone: 418 643-5926; For further information: Antoine Tousignant, Public Affairs Team Leader, Communications Branch, Department of the Executive Council and Treasury Board Secretariat, Telephone: 418 999-3029