Ontario announces CA$ 1.1 billion for new infrastructure

Ontario's Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty has announced a CA$ 1.1 billion (US$ 1.05 billion) investment plan for new municipal infrastructure to improve roads and bridges, expand public transit and build other municipal projects in the Canadian province of Ontario.

Speaking at this week's gathering of the Canadian Federation of Municipalities, Mr McGuinty said the announcement was the result of the new Investing in Ontario Act 2008, which allows the province to spend surplus funds rather than devote all extra cash to servicing Ontario's debt.

Although no exact details were given as to where the money would be spent Mr McGinty said he expected the investment plan would create up to 11000 construction jobs in the short term.