After the tabling of the Quebec budget on March 21, and a few days before the federal budget, Quebec municipalities are now turning their attention to Ottawa. Everywhere in Quebec, the municipal sector is confronted with persistent inflationary pressure, combined with permanent climatic pressure. One thing is certain: this dual challenge must be met collectively, regardless of government. Otherwise, services to citizens will be the first affected.
Inflation considerably reduces the ability of municipalities to act, in all regions. This could compromise certain services to the population and undermine intergenerational equity due to the accelerated deterioration of municipal infrastructure. At the moment, we are carrying out less infrastructure work with as many, if not more, resources.
Ottawa can do its part.
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 des municipalités du Québec (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 implementation, ensuring greater flexibility, and above all, making it possible to call for tenders when conditions are favorable. Everyone will come out a winner, and especially the citizen.
Adapting municipal infrastructure 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.
This is why the UMQ is calling on 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.
Inflation and climate change unequivocally demonstrate 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 21st century, a G7 country cannot afford to have a weakened service, which is deeply harmful 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.
