The partnership aims to position Canada’s cement and concrete industry to become a global leader in low-carbon cement and concrete production and related clean technologies. In part, it commits the federal government to buying innovative, low-carbon cement products for construction.

The association has identified 10 projects that, if built, would significantly augment Ontario’s economic prosperity.

A new Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program will help to fund the construction of projects that focus on non-emitting, clean-energy technologies, and those that modernize electricity-system operations.

The majority of funding will support the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure, repairs to municipal public works buildings and fire halls. Additional investments will support upgrades to parks, recreational facilities and active transportation networks.

The government said pandemic health indicators have improved and COVID-19 vaccine uptake is high enough to begin lifting some restrictions ahead of schedule.