After the tabling of the Quebec budget on March 21, and a few days before the federal budget, Quebec municipalities are now turning to Ottawa. Everywhere in Quebec, the municipal sector is confronted with persistent inflationary pressure, combined with permanent climatic pressure. One thing is certain: this double challenge must be met collectively, regardless of the government. Otherwise, services to citizens will be the first affected.
Sustainably support the capacity for action of municipalities
Inflation considerably reduces the ability of municipalities to act, in all regions. This could compromise certain services to the population and affect intergenerational equity due to the accelerated deterioration of municipal infrastructures. At the moment, we are carrying out less infrastructure work with as many, if not more, resources.
Ottawa can do its part.
Currently, many financial aid programs come with an expiration date. This ensures that the aid is granted only if the investments are made before a determined deadline.
This formula forces municipalities to call for tenders relatively quickly and simultaneously, thus contributing to creating overheating. We have to change the ways of doing things.
This is why the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) is asking to increase the financial assistance programs specific to infrastructures and to extend their eligibility period. These are two winning conditions for maintaining the pace of project completion, ensuring greater flexibility, and above all, making it possible to call for tenders when conditions are favourable. Everyone will come out a winner, and especially the citizen.
Commit to the climate
The adaptation of municipal infrastructures to climate change cannot wait any longer. Communities must be supported to remain resilient to extreme events. These are increasingly affecting our populations. Just think of heat waves, floods, forest fires, droughts, freezes and thaws. We can also think of tornadoes and hurricanes, we can no longer escape them.
Remember that the UMQ, WSP and Ouranos have demonstrated that by 2055, funding of at least $2 billion annually will be needed to ensure the resilience of municipal infrastructure in Quebec against climate change.
This is why the UMQ is asking the federal government to vigorously respond to municipal investment needs in terms of resilience to climate change. Yes, it is a considerable investment, but it is essential to secure our citizens and our great territory.
Collaboration for the benefit of the regions
Inflation and climate change demonstrate unequivocally that the federal-municipal relationship is crucial. However, this relationship can go further and be embodied in regional economic development. This is an opportunity to seize to do more, to do better.
Ottawa has an opportunity to further support the economy of the regions, by providing all citizens with reliable and efficient air transport. It shouldn’t be a luxury. Remember that air transport is under federal jurisdiction, and the current government must invest in it once and for all. Because investing in the management of complaints is good, but solving the root of the problem is better.
In the XXIe century, a G7 country cannot afford to have a weakened service that is deeply detrimental to the vitality of the territory.
The UMQ has significant expectations for the federal budget of March 28.
A budget that should allow more flexibility, more agility to municipalities. A budget that should allow the regions to shine and develop for the benefit of the population.