The federal government is adjusting a $33-billion COVID-19 infrastructure program to help Canadian communities respond to the global pandemic. Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna announced a new COVID-19 "resilience" stream during a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, carving out $3.3 billion for pandemic-related projects that would not be covered under previous rules. Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna told reporters the infrastructure money is being re-allocated to shovel-ready projects. 1:53Changes to the program will make it easier for projects — such as making schools and long-term care facilities safer — to qualify for funding, McKenna said. McKenna said the government hopes to fund "shovel-ready" projects that can start up quickly.

Source: CBC News August 05, 2020 15:37 UTC