Minister Joly highlights Budget 2025's plan to build strong communities for future generations
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Changes in the global trading system are causing massive disruptions and uncertainty for Canadians. The world has changed, and Canada's economic strategy must change. Budget 2025: Canada Strong is the government's plan to transform the Canadian economy from one that is reliant on a single trade partner to one that is stronger, more self-sufficient and more resilient to global shocks. This budget is a plan to enable $1 trillion in investments over the next five years. That can increase our GDP by over 3.5%—equivalent to more than $3,500 for every Canadian—delivering far more for Canadians than what's being taken from us. This is a plan to build Canada strong and to give ourselves more than any foreign government can take away.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, was in Montréal-Nord to highlight Budget 2025 investments to support a wide range of infrastructure projects and help local communities build Canada strong.
The Build Communities Strong Fund will invest $51 billion over 10 years, followed by $3 billion per year ongoing, to revitalize local infrastructure: the hospitals, universities and colleges that serve the population, the roads and bridges that move Canada's goods, and the water and transit systems that sustain towns. The program will include three streams:
- A provincial and territorial stream will provide $17.2 billion over 10 years to support infrastructure projects and priorities in housing, health care and education. This could include transit infrastructure, colleges, universities, medical schools, and water and wastewater facilities.
- From this stream, $5 billion over three years will be dedicated specifically to a new Health Infrastructure Fund, upgrading health infrastructure such as hospitals, emergency rooms and urgent care centres.
- A direct delivery stream will provide $6 billion to support regionally significant projects, large building retrofits, climate adaptation or community infrastructure. This could include clean-energy generation and storage projects, flood protection, and new community and recreational spaces.
- A community stream will provide $27.8 billion for local roads, bridges, water systems and community centres, getting the basics right and helping towns and cities grow.
The new fund's community stream will support the construction of community centres that provide everyone a modern and safe space to engage in physical activity. By promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, these complexes will help improve residents' well-being and prevent illness. They will serve as gathering places for all generations, fostering community support and cohesion. The centres will celebrate local identity and cultural diversity, while meeting the needs of families and sports clubs with facilities suited for all ages. Finally, they will support the organization of events, grow membership, create local jobs and contribute to the vitality of neighbourhoods.
This fund is part of the government's broader nation-building mission. This includes the Major Projects Office to fast-track transformative energy, trade and transportation projects across the country, Build Canada Homes to supercharge housing construction, and the Defence Investment Agency to use domestic resources and materials to scale up Canada's industrial base.
The past year has revealed there are limits to Canada's economic independence. Budget 2025 is tackling that challenge head on. It is our plan to take control and build the future we want for ourselves. It is the plan to build Canada strong.
Quotes
"Budget 2025 is an investment budget—a confident Canada taking control of its own future. Central to that mission is building local infrastructure so we can empower Canadians through faster commutes, better careers and lower costs. With a new investment of over $50 billion, we are building stronger communities to build Canada strong."
– The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
"To build the strongest economy in the G7, we must build infrastructure at a speed and scale not seen in generations. The Build Communities Strong Fund is an essential investment in nation-building, targeting the roads, hospitals, schools and water systems that underpin local prosperity. By delivering this critical infrastructure to communities across the country, we are directly investing in our workers and businesses—and building Canada strong."
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue
"Investing in local infrastructure means investing in the health, vitality and future of our communities. Budget 2025 invests in the infrastructure that empowers Canadians, fosters inclusion and creates opportunities for all generations. Together, we are building a strong, resilient Canada."
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
"This sports centre is more than just a building; it's a place of pride, unity and future prospects for the community. As the Member of Parliament for Bourassa, I'm deeply convinced that every young person and every family here deserves a space where they can dream, excel and grow together. This investment represents concrete action to strengthen our social fabric, promote health, encourage solidarity and instill hope. Together, we're building a future."
– Abdelhaq Sari, Member of Parliament for Bourassa
"We're very pleased by the Government of Canada's interest to fund our project to build a sports centre. This project is of vital importance; it will change the lives of the 90,000 or so citizens of Montréal-Nord who currently have no access to municipal sports equipment. This news represents a critical step in carrying out this long-awaited project."
– Christine Black, Mayor of the borough of Montréal-Nord
Quick facts
- Budget 2025 has announced support for a number of projects that will help build strong communities through improved local infrastructure.
- Under the provincial and territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund, provinces and territories will be required to cost-match federal investments and ensure that supported municipalities reduce development charges and do not levy other taxes that hinder housing supply.
- Budget 2025 delivers on the government's Comprehensive Expenditure Review to modernize government, improve efficiencies, and deliver better results and services for Canadians.
- It includes an initial $60 billion in savings over five years and makes generational investments in housing, infrastructure, defence, productivity and competitiveness. These are strategic capital investments designed to then catalyze $500 billion of new investment into Canada over the next five years.
- In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced $15 million for the construction of a new sports centre for Montréal-Nord.
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