News release

Agreement Offers New Possibilities for Road, Court and Health Construction

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

A memorandum of understanding with Partnerships BC will help Nova Scotia explore new possibilities for building roads, health facilities, courts correctional facilities and other projects to address the province's multi-billion dollar infrastructure deficit.

The agreement gives Nova Scotia access to the expertise Partnerships BC has developed through strategic infrastructure partnerships with the private sector.

"Like the rest of the country, we need to look at new and innovative ways of meeting our infrastructure needs that fast track construction while protecting taxpayers," said Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Partnerships BC is a Canadian leader in this innovative project delivery method. Partnerships BC has demonstrated value for money through more than 20 projects completed or underway, on time and on budget, in partnership with the private sector."

Nova Scotia will use the expertise and experience of Partnerships BC to assess whether some of the province's most pressing infrastructure demands could be met through the strategic partnership method.

Ontario and Alberta are also addressing their infrastructure needs through strategic infrastructure partnerships for roads, courts, and health facilities. In its March 2007 budget, the federal government announced the creation of a $1.27-billion fund that would potentially give Nova Scotia access to funding for innovative partnership projects.

"We want to learn from other provinces where they know that, with the right process, strategic infrastructure partnership give their citizens improved access to the facilities they need in their communities," said Mr. Scott.

More information on Partnerships BC can be found on its website at www.partnershipsbc.ca .