Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers Convene in Toronto to Accelerate Infrastructure and Bolster Economy

Ministers Address Infrastructure Acceleration in Toronto

Toronto, Ontario – Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers of Housing and Infrastructure convened in Toronto on December 8, 2025, for a critical meeting focused on accelerating infrastructure projects and strengthening the Canadian economy. The gathering, co-chaired by the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, and the Honourable Todd McCarthy, Ontario's Acting Minister of Infrastructure, underscored the importance of strong partnerships and collaborative action in addressing Canada's pressing infrastructure needs.

Key Initiatives and Economic Strengthening

A central point of discussion was the federal government's update on infrastructure priorities, notably the newly introduced 'Build Communities Strong Fund'. This significant initiative represents a 10-year, $51 billion investment, commencing in 2026-27, aimed at revitalizing local infrastructure across Canada. The fund is designed to support a wide range of projects, including hospitals, universities, colleges, roads, bridges, and water and transit systems.

Ministers unanimously agreed on the critical need for speed in project delivery to meet Canada's evolving infrastructure demands. Discussions also delved into 'Buy Canadian strategies', which seek to leverage government investments and purchasing power to support domestic sectors and workers, thereby promoting job creation and economic growth across communities. This approach is particularly pertinent given the changing global landscape and its impact on Canadian trade relationships.

Budget 2025 and Future Outlook

The meeting highlighted how Budget 2025 is directly addressing the challenge of strengthening Canada's economic independence and laying out the federal government's plan to build more homes and essential infrastructure. The 'Build Communities Strong Fund' is a cornerstone of this budget, providing substantial, ongoing investment to modernize community infrastructure, create jobs, and attract further investment.

The agenda for the meeting, held at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre (OITC) at 250 Yonge Street, also included sharing updates on various infrastructure initiatives, considering 'Buy Canadian' approaches for policy alignment, and reinforcing Federal-Provincial-Territorial relationships. Ministers also sought input on infrastructure priorities and strategies to reduce cost barriers to development, such as development charges.

Commitment to Collaborative Action

The discussions emphasized that collaborative efforts are essential for delivering infrastructure that improves the lives of Canadians and bolsters the national economy. The ministers reiterated their commitment to working side-by-side to ensure that generational investments, like the 'Build Communities Strong Fund', contribute to building a stronger, more resilient Canada.