The federal government has announced a new measure aimed at ensuring that when building new infrastructure projects, proponents take into consideration the social and economic impact their project will have on the community and how they can encourage inclusive participation.

As part of the Investing in Canada plan, recipients of federal funding for new major public infrastructure projects will now be asked to consider how their projects can create training and job opportunities for under-represented groups and procurement opportunities for small-to-medium sized and social enterprises.

The Community Employment Benefits requirement is part of the Investing in Canada bilateral agreements being signed between Infrastructure Canada and the provinces and territories. It also applies to the recently launched Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and Smart Cities Challenge.

Investing in infrastructure projects means investing in our communities – providing employment, social and economic opportunities that benefit all Canadians.

The new Community Employment Benefits requirement applies to certain large infrastructure projects submitted under the $33 billion Investing in Canada bilateral agreements that are currently being signed between Infrastructure Canada and the provinces and territories. It will also be a requirement for projects under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and to all final proposals submitted for consideration to the Smart Cities Challenge.

Read the government news release.