Projects to focus on windows, buildings and HVAC upgrades
The federal government and Nova Scotia are jointly investing more than $25.5 million to make schools safer for staff and students alike amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding will be used for eight projects that will bring windows, buildings and HVAC upgrades to different schools in the province. These improvements will enhance the energy efficiency in the schools, and ensure students and staff benefit from safer learning environments, according to the federal government.
“The Government of Canada is taking strong and quick action to protect the health and safety of all Canadians, to stabilize our economy, and to support communities across Canada,” said Andy Fillmore, parliamentary secretary to the minister of infrastructure and communities Catherine McKenna, speaking on her behalf.
“The repairs and improvements to schools across Nova Scotia will promote a healthier, safer learning environment for students and staff. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
The federal government is providing more than $20.5 million for the projects under the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia is putting in more than $5 million.
“An investment in our schools and classrooms is an investment in our students, teachers and staff. By partnering with the Government of Canada, we are improving dozens of schools in Nova Scotia, making upgrades and more comfortable places to learn,” said Derek Mombourquette, Nova Scotia's minister of education and early childhood development.
Recently, the federal and Nova Scotia governments also jointly invested more than $14.2 million on seven projects that will upgrade infrastructure at several hospitals and long-term care facilities in the province to improve COVID-19 safety measures.
In March, the federal government and Nova Scotia also announced more than $19.1 million in combined funding for six projects for the same purpose.
Under the COVID-19 Resilience Stream, the federal cost-share for public infrastructure projects is 80 per cent in the provinces, and 100 per cent in the territories and for projects intended for Indigenous communities.
The federal government has invested over $888 million in 267 infrastructure projects across Nova Scotia under the Investing in Canada plan.
