National

Biden unveiling $2-trillion infrastructure plan

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 31 Mar, 2021 04:40 PM

The first $2-trillion tranche of Joe Biden's sweeping infrastructure plan is fuelling Canadian concern about "Buy American" protectionism.

The package, which the U.S. president is promoting today in Pittsburgh, includes $650 billion for highways, airlines and water systems, $400 billion for home care and $300 billion for affordable housing.

Biden is bent on resurrecting America's manufacturing sector, as well — the plan includes $580 billion for manufacturing, job training and R & D.

North of the border, stakeholders will be listening closely for clues to how hard it will be for Canadian suppliers and contractors to take part.

More stringent Buy American rules, designed to ensure the benefits of U.S. spending stay at home, were a cornerstone of Biden's election campaign.

Today's announcement includes details of proposed tax increases to pay for the plan — increases that Republicans in Congress are not likely to support.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirms border closure, which began on March 21 and was set to expire on Tuesday.

Canadian officials acknowledged some regions of the country could be closer to re-opening parts of the economy than others, but continued to stress a careful approach as the border closure with the hard-hit United States was extended for another 30 days during the COVID-19 crisis. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the extension on Saturday for the closure restricting non-essential travel across the border, which began on March 21 and was set to expire on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirms border closure, which began on March 21 and was set to expire on Tuesday.

Feds pledge $306M aid for Indigenous businesses suffering COVID-19 losses

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government will provide $306 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feds pledge $306M aid for Indigenous businesses suffering COVID-19 losses

3 new COVID-19 deaths in B.C. for 81 total, says provincial health officer

B.C's provincial health officer says three more people in the province have died after testing positive for COVID-19. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the latest deaths came from long-term care facilities and bring the province's total up to 81 deaths. The province has 29 new cases for a total of 1,647.

3 new COVID-19 deaths in B.C. for 81 total, says provincial health officer

Liberals pledge financial aid to sectors of economy hit hard by COVID-19

On Friday, the Liberals announced $1.7 billion to help clean up "orphaned wells" in oil-producing provinces, and a $750-million fund to cut methane emissions by providing loans to companies.

Liberals pledge financial aid to sectors of economy hit hard by COVID-19

Officials set to release estimates of the extent of COVID-19 spread in B.C.

British Columbia is preparing to release its latest estimates of how the new coronavirus may spread through the province over the coming months. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Health Minister Adrian Dix and health ministry officials release the epidemiological modelling later today.

Officials set to release estimates of the extent of COVID-19 spread in B.C.

Chief public health officer's decisions must be scrutinized: Scheer refuses to express confidence in Tam

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer refused Thursday to express confidence in Canada's chief public health officer, arguing the need to question her decisions around the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reasons Parliament must resume. The four main parties in the House of Commons are locked in negotiations to determine if and how Parliament resumes on Monday, the deadline set for it to reconvene following its adjournment in mid-March.