"Our infrastructure needs are tremendous and we need to do more," he told P3 Bulletin on the sidelines of the annual conference of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) in Toronto.
Champagne said the country had a decade of under-investment, therefore they need to make sure they flow these important projects.
In terms of sector priorities, the minister added the government is making significant investment in public transit which would contribute to both the reduction of greenhouse gases and transit times for users. They are also committed to addressing climate change by focusing on water and wastewater projects and improving water quality.
The government is also keen to see how technology can aid in maintaining projects.
Champagne added that the government has "big plans" for the Canadian Infrastructure Bank: "The bank is hoped to build a bankable pipeline of projects and remain another tool in the toolbox."
Last week, Canadian Infrastructure Bank's chief executive Pierre Lavallée told P3 Bulletin that private firms are “thirsty to assume more risk” alongside the bank.
Read the full interview with Minister Champagne in the next issue of P3 Bulletin magazine.