Building a strong Canada starts with investing in the infrastructure that people and communities rely on every day.
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, the Honourable Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan's Minister of Health, and Her Worship Cynthia Block, Mayor of Saskatoon, announced that the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan have entered into an agreement under the Provincial and Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund to support essential infrastructure to support Saskatchewan residents.
To that end, Saskatchewan will receive a federal investment of more than $610.6 million to build and renew infrastructure in the province. From that investment, under the agreement announced today, Saskatchewan will receive $195.1 million in health infrastructure funding over three years, which will complement existing federal health-related support. These investments will help prioritize projects that help with building and upgrading critical health infrastructure, including hospitals and long-term care.
The first project announced under the Build Communities Strong Fund health agreement with Saskatchewan involves rebuilding the Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge, with the federal and provincial governments each providing $7.25 million. The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, a key partner on this project, is contributing $10 million towards the development of the new lodge, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting patients and families throughout their cancer journey.
The project will result in a brand-new lodge to enhance patient-centered care and supportive services for cancer patients across the province. The modern facility will provide a comfortable, "home-away-from-home" environment for individuals undergoing treatment at nearby health-care facilities, eliminating the need for patients from rural and remote locations to travel back and forth for treatments. The new lodge will feature private patient rooms, companion accommodation spaces, and three stem cell transplant suites.
The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's plan to build the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong - today and for generations to come.
