Justin Trudeau pledges $20 billion for green infrastructure over the next decade to stimulate economy

Kristy Kirkup, The Canadian Press | September 2, 2015 12:29 PM ET, Source

TROIS-RIVIERES, Que. — Justin Trudeau is opening a window into how his infrastructure investment will be divided in the years to come if the Liberals form government this fall.

Speaking in Trois-Rivieres, Que., Trudeau detailed how the party would invest in green infrastructure in a bid to stimulate the Canadian economy.

The price tag of this commitment is nearly $6-billion over a four year period and almost $20 billion over the next decade.

“We will invest in things that will make your life better, like waste-water treatment plants and improved storm drain systems, and ensure resilient infrastructure that can withstand the more frequent extreme weather events coming our way,” Trudeau said.

“Whatever the project, we will make sure we’re working with provinces and cities to make sure investments are made in the projects they really need.”

The Liberals also say they will move to incorporate climate impact analysis into federal government contracting and act in “full partnership” with the provinces and territories that

are already working to develop a pan-Canadian energy strategy.

Trudeau’s Grits made a bold political play last week when the party announced it would run deficits of up to $10-billion a year for the next three years to funnel money into infrastructure projects.

Trudeau is spending much of the week in Quebec, where the party is hoping to make inroads and fend off support for the New Democrats who picked up 59 of 75 available seats in the province.

Public opinion polls suggest the Liberals are still trailing far behind the NDP in Quebec.

Trudeau told reporters on Wednesday he remains confident about growing the party’s support.

Part of his strategy involves taking aim directly at NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.

“I look forward to Quebecers realizing that Mr. Mulcair is promising the same approach as Mr. Harper on the economy,” Trudeau said.

“He is committed to balancing the budget at all costs even though he knows, like Mr. Harper, that that’s going to be impossible.”

Trudeau said Mulcair will have to slash promises and cut into the existing budget put forward by Harper in order to balance the books.

Grit support in the province is saturated in the Montreal area, including in Trudeau’s own riding of Papineau.

The Liberals claimed seven seats in Quebec in the last election.