2015-2016
Report on Plans and Priorities
Minister's Message and Section 1

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Minister's Message

The Honourable Denis Lebel

As Canada's Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, I am pleased to present Infrastructure Canada's Report on Plans and Priorities for 2015-2016. The report outlines the Department's ongoing commitment to invest in infrastructure projects that support jobs, economic growth and Canada's long-term prosperity.

In 2015-2016, Infrastructure Canada will build on our Government's unprecedented support for infrastructure by continuing to implement the $53-billion New Building Canada Plan — the largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in our nation's history. The New Building Canada Plan provides long-term, flexible funding to provinces, territories and municipalities for a wide range of infrastructure projects. In the years to come, the plan will help Canadian communities respond to their unique infrastructure needs.

Specifically, in the coming year, we will continue to work with our partners to implement two key components of the New Building Canada Plan: the $14-billion New Building Canada Fund and the renewed federal Gas Tax Fund. Through the federal Gas Tax Fund alone, close to $22 billion in permanent, predictable and flexible infrastructure funding will flow to municipalities over the course of the next decade.

In addition, the Government of Canada is committed to building a new bridge to replace Montreal's Champlain Bridge by 2018. The new Champlain Bridge will help the efficient flow of people, goods, and services and will support the regional and national economy. Infrastructure Canada is working closely with our partners and stakeholders to deliver this world-class project and ensure the best value for Canadian taxpayers.

As we implement the New Building Canada Plan and deliver the new Champlain Bridge, we will continue to ensure the timely completion of projects under the 2007 Building Canada plan and other funding programs. These important programs, and the projects they support, are helping to build strong communities and grow local economies across Canada.

As we continue to lead the Government of Canada's efforts to provide Canadians with strong, modern, world-class infrastructure, I invite you to follow our progress at Infrastructure Canadai.

The Honourable Denis Lebel, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

Section I: Organizational Expenditure Overview

1.1 Organizational Profile

Minister: The Honourable Denis Lebel, P.C., M.P.

Deputy Head: Louis Lévesque

Ministerial Portfolio: Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

Effective July 15, 2013, Order in Council P.C. 2013-0869 transferred responsibility for Infrastructure Canada from the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. As a result, Infrastructure Canada's operating and contribution vote numbers have changed. As well, the title of the Minister responsible for Infrastructure Canada has changed. Of note, there has been no change to the Deputy Minister responsible for Infrastructure Canada.

Furthermore, as per Order in Council P.C. 2014-144 dated February 10, 2014, ministerial responsibility for the Federal Montreal Bridges group, which includes the new bridge for the St. Lawrence (NBSL) corridor project and oversight of the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) was transferred from the Minister of Transport to the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, effective February 13, 2014.

Year Established: The Office of Infrastructure of Canada was established in 2002.

Main Authorities:

Other:

Infrastructure Canada works in collaboration with other federal departments and agencies to deliver some of its transfer payment programs. These departments and agencies share their knowledge of local needs and priorities. Infrastructure Canada's Federal Delivery Partners for certain sunsetting programs are:

  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA);
  • Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (EDAC-Quebec);
  • Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor);
  • Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario);
  • Transport Canada (TC); and
  • Western Economic Diversification Canada (WEDC).

In addition, Infrastructure Canada works with Public Works and Government Services Canada (as the contract authority) and PPP Canada (as P3 advisors), for the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor project.

1.2 Organizational Context

1.2.1 Raison d'être

Strong, modern, world-class public infrastructure is a key factor in achieving the Government of Canada's priorities of a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and more prosperous, safer communities. Infrastructure Canada leads the Government of Canada's efforts in addressing Canada's public infrastructure challenges.

1.2.2 Responsibilities

I. Overview

Infrastructure Canada is the main department responsible for federal efforts to enhance Canada's public infrastructure. This is accomplished through three main activities: investing in provincial, territorial and municipal assets; engaging in key partnerships with the provinces, territories, municipalities and the private sector; and developing and implementing sound policies. Established in 2002, the Department helps to ensure that Canadians benefit from world-class public infrastructure from coast to coast to coast.

In addition to the above core responsibilities, on February 13, 2014, ministerial responsibility for the Federal Montreal Bridges group was transferred from the Minister of Transport to the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. This includes responsibility for the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor project and oversight of the Crown Corporation, the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated.

The Importance of Public Infrastructure Investments:

Canada's public infrastructure forms the backbone of our nation and contributes to its prosperity. From the water we drink to the roads we drive on, infrastructure benefits all Canadians every day. In large part, our systems of public infrastructure support strong communities and a resilient, competitive economy. Public infrastructure investments support economic growth and productivity by allowing goods and people to move more efficiently, facilitating trade activities, promoting local and regional development, and supporting job creation.

Over the past decade, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, with funding support from the Government of Canada, have taken great strides in responding to infrastructure investment needs and building a prosperous Canada. The Government of Canada's New Building Canada Plan (NBCP) builds on this commitment by offering long-term flexible funding to provinces, territories and municipalities to plan and deliver infrastructure projects efficiently.

As shown in Figure 1, federal funding support for public infrastructure has increased significantly since the mid-2000s. The green "peak" in federal spending between 2009 and 2012 reflects the successful delivery of infrastructure stimulus programs under the Government of Canada's 2009 Economic Action Plan. With the introduction of the $53-billion New Building Canada Plan, federal investments will provide stable and predictable support over the next 10 years.

Figure 1: Federal Investments in Provincial, Territorial and Municipal Infrastructure

Figure 1: Federal Investments in Provincial, Territorial and Municipal Infrastructure

Text description of graph for Figure 1

Note: Federal infrastructure investments from Infrastructure Canada Finance Canada, Transport Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Source: Finance Canada and Infrastructure Canada, December 2014.

Supporting our Public Sector Partners' Infrastructure Priorities:

The Department is a key funding partner, working with provinces, territories, municipalities, the private sector and non-profit organizations, along with other federal departments and agencies, to help build and revitalize the infrastructure Canadians need and use every day. For example, through a cost-sharing arrangement included in most of its programs, the funding provided by Infrastructure Canada leverages funding from other partners, such as provinces, territories, municipalities or the private sector. As shown in Figure 2 (represented by the blue line), when combined provincial/territorial and municipal infrastructure investments totalled close to $30 billion in 2013.

Moving forward, given the government's commitment to stable funding support over the next 10 years through Infrastructure Canada's programs, it is expected that levels of provincial/territorial and municipal infrastructure investments will remain significant.

Figure 2: Provincial/Territorial and Municipal Investments in Core Public Infrastructure by Asset Owner

Figure 2: Provincial/Territorial and Municipal Investments in Core Public Infrastructure by Asset Owner

Text description of graph for Figure 2

Note: Core Public Infrastructure includes roads, bridges, transit, water, wastewater, culture, and recreation and sports infrastructure. Includes investments made from Crown corporations and provincial agencies and transfers from other levels of government. Constant (2007) dollars. Data for 2013 based on forecast.

Source: Statistics Canada, National Economic Accounts Division. Chart and data calculation: Infrastructure Canada.

Joint infrastructure funding efforts by all levels of government have contributed to the ongoing rejuvenation of Canada's public infrastructure. In fact, the average age of Canada's core public infrastructure has been declining over the past decade. In 2003, the average age of core public infrastructure was 17.5 years. In 2013, this number had decreased to 14.7 years. (See Infrastructure Canada's recent Departmental Performance Reportvi for more information.)

The Way Forward — The New Building Canada Plan:

In 2007, the Government of Canada launched the $33-billion Building Canada plan, the first long-term, federal plan for infrastructure. Through this plan, the Government of Canada supported thousands of projects that have given Canadians access to better public infrastructure, and have strengthened the national economy.

More recently, Canada's Economic Action Plan announced in Budget 2013, introduced a 10-year, $53-billion New Building Canada Plan (NBCP) to support public infrastructure projects of national, regional and local significance across the country. The NBCP, which includes the renewed, now permanent and indexed federal Gas Tax Fund and the New Building Canada Fund (launched in March 2014), is the largest federal infrastructure plan in our nation's history. It builds on the success of past federal infrastructure programs to promote economic growth, job creation, productivity gains, and a high quality of life for Canadians.

Through the New Building Canada Plan, the Government of Canada's investments will span the country and cover priorities in all major public infrastructure categories to support economic growth, a clean environment and stronger communities.

More information on the New Building Canada Planvii can be found on Infrastructure Canada's website.

Leveraging Private Sector Expertise:

Public-private partnerships (P3s) can improve the delivery of public infrastructure for Canadians and provide better value for money for taxpayers. P3 procurement approaches achieve value for money by implementing infrastructure projects using performance-based contracts. Such procurement approaches allow project proponents to set performance standards that the private partner, or concessionaire, is required to meet.

For these reasons, $1.25 billion in funding from the New Building Canada Plan goes towards the P3 Canada Fund which is administered by PPP Canada, a federal Crown corporation. Additionally, projects with eligible capital costs of over $100 million submitted for federal funding under the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF) will be subject to a screening process to determine whether better value for money can be achieved through P3 procurement.

New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project:

Infrastructure Canada is the project authority charged with delivering the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor project in Montreal, Quebec.

In order to ensure safe and efficient transportation for commuters, public transit users and commercial vehicles, the Government of Canada committed in 2011 to build a new bridge for the St. Lawrence. This bridge, which will be completed in 2018, will replace the existing Champlain Bridge, which is nearing the end of its useful life. The rest of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor will be completed in 2020.

The existing Champlain Bridge is one of the busiest in Canada with traffic estimated at over 40 million vehicles per year. It is a major Canada-United States trade corridor and a vital link in Montreal's public transportation system, handling $20 billion of international trade and 11 million transit commuters per year.

The new bridge will contribute to the increased capacity and efficiency of gateway and corridor infrastructure regionally and nationally. The project will also provide an efficient solution to the movement of goods and people by widening the federally owned A15 Highway to a six-lane capacity.

This project will be delivered through a public-private partnership, which will allow the Government to harness the innovation of the private sector to deliver better value for money for taxpayers and users, and build the bridge on budget and on time.

II. Transfer Payment Programs

In 2015-2016, Infrastructure Canada will continue to oversee billions of dollars' worth of infrastructure investments. This includes projects being delivered through transfer payment programs under the New Building Canada Plan, programs under the 2007 Building Canada plan, now in a later stage of their lifecycle, as well as earlier-announced sunsetting programs.

Infrastructure Canada's suite of transfer payment programs, as briefly described in the following table and organized according to the Department's Program Alignment Architecture, addresses local and regional infrastructure needs while advancing national priorities. These programs help to make Canada's economy stronger, keep people and goods on the move, and contribute to cleaner air and water.

Infrastructure Canada's current transfer payment programs at a glance:1

Funding for Provincial-Territorial Priorities

Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund
($2.275 billion, announced in Budget 2007)

Through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund, each jurisdiction receives base funding to address its core infrastructure priorities. All provinces and territories benefit from this investment in modern public infrastructure, particularly jurisdictions with smaller populations.

Permanent and Flexible Public Infrastructure Funding

Gas Tax Fund
($21.8 billion, announced in Budget 2013/Economic Action Plan 2013)

Building on the previous Gas Tax Fund (GTF), which allocated $13 billion between 2005 and 2014, the renewed GTF is part of the New Building Canada Plan. Beginning in 2014, and over the next 10 years, it will provide Canada's municipalities with over $2 billion annually in permanent, predictable and flexible funding to address local infrastructure priorities. The renewed GTF, which has been legislated as a permanent source of federal infrastructure funding, is now indexed at 2 percent per year — with increases to be applied in $100-million increments from 2014-2015 to 2023-2024 — and will give municipalities the possibility to spend federal funding on a broader range of infrastructure priorities.

Investments in National Infrastructure Priorities

New Building Canada Fund-National Infrastructure Component
($4 billion, announced in Budget 2013/Economic Action Plan 2013)

The New Building Canada Fund–National Infrastructure Component is part of the New Building Canada Plan. Beginning in 2014-2015, this 10-year, merit-based program will support investments in public infrastructure projects of national significance, particularly those that support job creation, economic growth and productivity.

Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Fund
($200 million announced in Budget 2011 and augmented in 2013)

The Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Fund supports the construction of an all season road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories, completing Canada's road network from coast to coast to coast. This road will strengthen Canada's Arctic presence and contribute to economic and social development in the North.

Green Infrastructure Fund
($1 billion, announced in Budget 2009/Economic Action Plan)

The Green Infrastructure Fund targets projects that will improve the quality of the environment and lead to a more sustainable economy over the long term. More specifically, this merit-based funding program supports projects that promote cleaner air, cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Border Infrastructure Fund
($600 million, announced in Budget 2001)

The Border Infrastructure Fund invests in physical and transportation system infrastructure and improved analytical capacity at border crossings. As the Fund helps sustain and increase the long-term efficiency of the Canada-U.S. border, it is critical to Canada's growing economic and trade relationship with the United States.

Large-Scale Infrastructure Investments

New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component
(Announced in Budget 2013/Economic Action Plan 2013)
National and Regional Projects (NRP) sub-component — $9 billion

The New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component is part of the New Building Canada Plan. Beginning in 2014-2015, this 10-year program will support public infrastructure projects of national, regional and local significance across the country in a broad range of categories. This component of the New Building Canada Fund will include base funding for each province and territory. Through the National and Regional Projects (NRP) sub-component, this program will deliver $9 billion towards projects of national and regional significance.

Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component
(Overall Building Canada Fund amount of $8.8 billion announced in Budget 2007; of that total, $6.7 billion was dedicated to the Major Infrastructure Component)

The Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component targets large infrastructure projects of national or regional significance. It increases overall investment in public infrastructure and contributes to broad federal objectives of economic growth, a cleaner environment and strong and prosperous communities. The objective is to target two-thirds of the funding to national priorities of water, wastewater, public transit, the core national highway system and green energy.

Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund
($4.3 billion, announced in the 2001 and 2003 Budgets)

The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund supports projects that sustain economic growth and improve the quality of life of Canadians. Investment categories include: highways and railways, local transportation, tourism and urban development, water and sewage, and broadband (telecommunications connectivity).

Infrastructure Investments in Smaller Communities and Rural Areas

New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component
(Announced in Budget 2013/Economic Action Plan 2013)
Small Communities Fund (SCF) sub-component — $1 billion

The New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component is part of the New Building Canada Plan. Beginning in 2014-2015, this 10-year program will support public infrastructure projects of national, regional and local significance across the country in a broad range of categories. This component of the New Building Canada Fund will include base funding for each province and territory. Through the Small Communities Fund (SCF) sub-component, this program will deliver $1 billion specifically towards local projects in communities of less than 100,000 people.

Building Canada Fund-Communities Component
(Overall Building Canada Fund amount of $8.8 billion announced in Budget 2007; of that total, $1 billion was later dedicated to the Communities Component)

The Building Canada Fund–Communities Component targets projects in communities of less than 100,000 people. The Fund recognizes the unique infrastructure needs of Canada's smaller communities and focuses on projects that meet environmental, economic and quality of life objectives.

National Recreational Trails program
($10 million, announced in Budget 2014 in addition to the $53 billion New Building Canada Plan)

Through this program, the Government of Canada is partnering with the National Trails Coalition to expand and improve recreational trails throughout Canada. This program will bring immediate economic activity to small and rural communities and will result in a lasting legacy of recreational trails that will benefit Canadians for many years to come.

1.3 Strategic Outcome and Program Alignment Architecture (PAA)

In 2015-2016, Infrastructure Canada's Program Alignment Architecture (PAA) includes one Strategic Outcome and six Programs, as well as Internal Services2 in support of its activities. For 2015-2016, the PAA structure was amended to add the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor project, following the transfer of responsibility for the federal bridges in Montreal from Transport Canada to Infrastructure Canada in February 2014. The Programs are discussed in detail in Section II of this report.

1. Strategic Outcome: Public Infrastructure for a More Prosperous Canada

1.1 Program: Funding for Provincial-Territorial Priorities

1.2 Program: Permanent and Flexible Infrastructure Funding

1.3 Program: Investments in National Infrastructure Priorities

1.4 Program: Large-Scale Infrastructure Investments

1.5 Program: Infrastructure Investments in Smaller Communities and Rural Areas

1.6 Program: New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project

Program: Internal Services

Together, the six Programs outline the Department's key business lines and initiatives for the year. They also provide the framework under which our transfer payment programs are grouped as was described in the previous section.

All six Programs result in the construction and enhancement of public infrastructure, contributing to the Department's Strategic Outcome for a more prosperous Canada.

1.4 Organizational Priorities

In 2015-2016, five organizational priorities will guide the Department's work. These are:

  1. Advance delivery of the New Building Canada Fund and any new infrastructure programs while ensuring sound stewardship.
  2. Advance the accelerated procurement and construction of the New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project and support the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated in its role of keeping the Champlain Bridge safe.
  3. Identify and implement operational efficiencies and improvements in the delivery of the Department's mandate.
  4. Support people management initiatives.
  5. Enhance policy, knowledge, and partnerships to address emerging priorities.

DETAILS ON ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES:

Priority Type3 Program(s)
1- Advance delivery of the New Building Canada Fund and any new infrastructure programs while ensuring sound stewardship New
  • Investments in National Infrastructure Priorities;
  • Large-Scale Infrastructure Investments; and
  • Infrastructure Investments in Small Communities and Rural Areas.
Description

Why is this a priority?

The implementation of the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF) links directly to the Government's commitment to supporting world-class infrastructure through projects of national, regional and local significance that promote job creation, economic growth, and productivity. Sound stewardship is required for managing the growing number and variety of Infrastructure Canada programs and inherent projects.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

  • Work with recipients to provide funding for projects of national and regional significance by reviewing project proposals, and negotiating and implementing contribution agreements. Concluding agreements under the NBCF will provide the platform for program roll out and project delivery.
  • Work horizontally with partners, such as Transport Canada and other organizations, to learn best practices in contribution management and to develop improved and streamlined approaches for delivering our infrastructure programs.
Priority Type Program(s)
2- Advance the accelerated procurement and construction of the New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project and support the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated in its role of keeping the Champlain Bridge safe New
  • New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project
  • Internal Services
Description

Why is this a priority?

The safety of federal bridges in Montreal, Quebec, is a priority for the Government of Canada, and the Government is taking all necessary measures to ensure safe passage for users. As such, given the need to replace the existing Champlain Bridge, the New Bridge for the St. Lawrence (NBSL) will be in service in 2018 and the rest of the corridor is to be completed in 2020. Furthermore, support is being provided to the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) in its role of keeping the existing Champlain Bridge safe for users until the NBSL is in service.

Moreover, in support of the Government of Canada's economic agenda, the NBSL corridor will contribute to the increased capacity and efficiency of gateway and corridor infrastructure in the region and nationally.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

Over the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the plans for meeting this priority include, but are not limited to:

  • Completing the evaluation of the request for proposals;
  • Signing the project agreement with the selected private partner;
  • Acquiring all required land for the scope of the Project;
  • Undertaking Environmental Site Assessments on all properties to be acquired on a temporary basis for construction of the NBSL; and
  • Continuing to provide support and oversight of JCCBI, including ensuring that JCCBI has access to the necessary parliamentary appropriations to carry out its priorities and planned work.
Priority Type Program(s)
3- Identify and implement operational efficiencies and improvements in the delivery of the Department's mandate Ongoing All PAA programs including Internal Services
Description

Why is this a priority?

Continuing to implement operational efficiencies and improvements will provide ongoing value for Canadians. Budget 2013 confirmed the government's efforts to look for ideas on how to better administer and deliver its programs and services.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

  • Infrastructure Canada is establishing Lean capacity and will undertake a minimum of four targeted projects to streamline operations, identify efficiencies and empower staff. Additionally, the Department will look at other government-wide initiatives for innovation and operational improvements (e.g., Red Tape Reduction).
  • Infrastructure Canada will also continue to implement its corporate integrated planning process in order to support priority-setting and decision-making, to enhance integrated resource allocation and utilization, and to reduce duplication of effort in planning and reporting functions across the Department.
  • The implementation of the Project Information Management System (PIMS) component of the Shared Information Management System for Infrastructure (SIMSI) will complete the enhancements for the Small Communities Fund (SCF) and any new programs. Furthermore, the significant IM/IT change agenda (e.g., whole-of-government initiatives related to information technology modernization in areas such as the provision of services for email, telephones, document management, and end user devices and software) will provide employees with new tools for their day-to-day work. Finally, we will be continuing to progress on improving the management and use of our information holdings to support decision-making within the Department.
Priority Type Program(s)
4- Support people management initiatives New All PAA programs including Internal Services
Description

Why is this a priority?

Infrastructure Canada and the Public Service as a whole are living in a context of continuous change. In 2015-2016, the Department must be flexible in order to succeed in the implementation of new enterprise wide government initiatives such as the Performance Management Directive, the pay transformation, and a significant IM/IT change agenda (see priority 2). Furthermore, INFC will have to deal with the impact of collective bargaining during this time period. While meeting those objectives, INFC will build, sustain and retain a high performing workforce and foster a healthy and safe workplace.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

  • The focus will be on strategic human resources planning to ensure we have a sustainable, competent workforce. The Department will take measures to engage employees and managers in frequent dialogue on people management initiatives, including engaging employees in the implementation of Destination 2020 initiatives, and in addressing the results of the Public Service Employment Survey (PSES).
  • Infrastructure Canada will optimize the collaborative opportunities with Transport Canada to leverage the portfolio approach, as well as between branches within the Department, in order to: support employee mobility, take advantage of collective staffing approaches, and increase integration of HR plans and actions with department-wide, corporate planning.
Priority Type Program(s)
5- Enhance policy, knowledge, and partnerships to address emerging priorities New All PAA programs
Description

Why is this a priority?

High-quality public infrastructure ensures that industries can reach local, national and international markets and that our communities are places people want to live – attracting talent and global investment. Infrastructure Canada must be able to develop and recommend policy and program advice related to federal support for public infrastructure. Key to this activity is strong engagement and partnerships, as well as thorough research in order to address existing and emerging challenges and opportunities. As a result, this priority includes activities undertaken with Provinces, Territories, Municipalities (PTM), and other stakeholders to ensure that federal public infrastructure investments are effectively able to support Canada's national priorities.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

  • Knowledge building in the areas of asset management practices, northern infrastructure, trade, governance models, and alternative financing to support medium-term planning.
  • Case studies to examine the impact of infrastructure investments.
  • Development of the parameters for the New Building Canada Plan 5-year review, as announced in Budget 2013.
  • Engagement with key partners and stakeholders.

1.5 Risk Analysis

Key Risks

Risk Risk Response Strategy Link to Program Alignment Architecture
Effective delivery of the New Building Canada Fund programs The Department will continue to maintain effective relationships with provinces, territories, municipalities and other proponents to perform timely project review and approval processes, obtain accurate information and meet program outcomes. With a view of continuous improvement of its program delivery effectiveness, initiatives are being launched to streamline administrative processes so that adequate capacity is focused toward priorities and risk management.
  • Investments in National Infrastructure Priorities
  • Large-Scale Infrastructure Investments
  • Infrastructure Investments in Small Communities and Rural Areas
Timely delivery of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor project The Department will ensure that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract leads to the opening of the New Bridge for the St. Lawrence in 2018 and the rest of the corridor in 2020.
  • New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project
Timely delivery of Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) solutions and ongoing service availability within the Department while contributing to current and future large scale whole-of-government IM/IT initiatives The Department will continue to ensure adequate resources to support new and ongoing business requirements including developing and implementing processes and procedures to effectively engage Shared Services Canada (SSC) to support the infrastructure for our hosted systems.
  • Internal Services

The Department applies a comprehensive approach to identify, assess and manage risks at the strategic, operational, program and project levels. This approach includes conducting regular environmental scans with direct participation of the Department's executives. The most recent update to the Corporate Risk Profile reflects the launch of the New Building Canada Fund on March 28, 2014, and the February 2014 transfer of responsibility for the federal bridges in Montreal from Transport Canada to Infrastructure Canada. In 2015-2016, the Department will monitor and report on its risk responses, as well as review and update risks in the context of emerging environmental risk factors and progress made by the implementation of risk responses.

1.6 Planned Expenditures

Budgetary Financial Resources (Dollars)
2015-2016 Main Estimates 2015-2016 Planned Spending 2016-2017 Planned Spending 2017-2018 Planned Spending
3,633,262,748 3,633,262,748 3,816,761,576 3,460,437,382
Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent–FTE)
2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018
370 369 365
Budgetary Planning Summary for Strategic Outcomes and Programs (Dollars)
Strategic Outcome, Programs and Internal Services 2012-2013 Expenditures 2013-2014 Expenditures 2014-2015 Forecast Spending 2015-2016 Main Estimates 2015-2016 Planned Spending 2016-2017 Planned Spending 2017-2018 Planned Spending
Strategic Outcome: Public Infrastructure for a More Prosperous Canada
Funding for Provincial-Territorial Priorities 236,858,957 191,464,385 62,685,540 91,061,247 91,061,247 31,890,514 0
Permanent and Flexible Infrastructure Funding 1,965,101,267 2,107,905,313 1,976,264,542 1,976,213,928 1,976,213,928 2,074,891,927 2,074,841,823
Investments in National Infrastructure Priorities4 See footnote 4 See footnote 4 225,985,716 148,607,942 148,607,942 263,432,775 396,626,060
Large-Scale Infrastructure Investments4 See footnote 4 See footnote 4 1,078,441,933 1,174,990,518 1,174,990,518 1,214,341,987 891,025,690
Infrastructure Investments in Small Communities and Rural Areas4 See footnote 4 See footnote 4 180,380,198 171,319,905 171,319,905 204,271,622 71,062,874
New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project4 See footnote 4 See footnote 4 126,030,4405 42,661,977 42,661,977 06 06
Programs under former PAA 1,508,590,4507 1,179,051,6437          
Strategic Outcome Subtotal 3,710,550,674 3,478,421,341 3,649,788,369 3,604,855,517 3,604,855,517 3,788,828,825 3,433,556,447
Internal Services Subtotal 42,105,718 35,404,150 35,099,648 28,407,230 28,407,230 27,932,752 26,880,935
Total 3,752,656,392 3,513,825,491 3,684,888,017 3,633,262,748 3,633,262,748 3,816,761,576 3,460,437,382

Planning Summary for 2015-2016:

In 2015-2016, Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with its partners towards the implementation of two key components of the Government of Canada's long-term, $53 billion New Building Canada Plan: the New Building Canada Fund and the renewed Gas Tax Fund.

Launched in March 2014, the $14 billion New Building Canada Fund (NBCF) is comprised of the National Infrastructure Component and the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component. The Department will continue to work with funding partners to implement the NBCF, by reviewing new projects submitted and implementing contribution agreements.

Over the 10-year life of the New Building Canada Plan, the Gas Tax Fund will provide close to $22 billion in permanent, predictable and flexible public infrastructure funding for municipalities. With all the GTF agreements signed in 2014, Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with provinces, territories and municipalities to implement these agreements, supporting the infrastructure priorities of Canadian communities. In 2015-2016, in addition to contributing to a cleaner environment, GTF projects will also support increased productivity, economic growth and strong cities and communities as part of the renewed Gas Tax Fund design.

While implementing these new transfer payment programs under the New Building Canada Plan, Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with its partners to ensure the timely completion of projects under the 2007 Building Canada plan and other sunsetting programs.

Furthermore, Infrastructure Canada will continue to advance the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor project and will ensure appropriate oversight of the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc. As part of Budget 2014, the Government of Canada committed to the construction of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence by 2018. To meet the 2018 opening of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence, procurement started in March 2014. The Government of Canada expects to select the private partner who will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor in summer of 2015. The rest of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence corridor will be completed in 2020.

Infrastructure Canada will also continue to provide support to the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) for repairs and maintenance of existing infrastructures, particularly the Champlain Bridge to ensure safety of users.

Also, in 2015-2016, Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with its partners and stakeholders to enhance its understanding of infrastructure needs, opportunities and challenges. The Department will ensure that program design and policies continue to align with the national priorities of a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and more prosperous, safer communities.

All in all, in 2015-2016, Infrastructure Canada is planning on spending over $3.6 billion towards the construction of public infrastructure across the country. As in the past, it will pursue operational efficiencies and will effectively deliver its mandate through the prudent management, stewardship and implementation of infrastructure funding programs to ensure ongoing value for taxpayers.

Building on a history of successful and collaborative projects, Infrastructure Canada is committed to working with partners and stakeholders to improve public infrastructure across Canada, while continuing to lead the Government of Canada's efforts to address the public infrastructure needs of the country.

1.6.1 Alignment of Spending with the Whole-of-Government Framework

Alignment of 2015-2016 Planned Spending with the Whole-of-Government Frameworkviii(Dollars)
Strategic Outcome Program Spending Area Government of Canada Outcome 2015-2016 Planned Spending
Public Infrastructure for a More Prosperous Canada Funding for Provincial-Territorial Priorities Economic Affairs Strong Economic Growth 91,061,247
Permanent and Flexible Infrastructure Funding Economic Affairs Strong Economic Growth 1,976,213,928
Investments in National Infrastructure Priorities Economic Affairs Strong Economic Growth 148,607,942
Large-Scale Infrastructure Investments Economic Affairs Strong Economic Growth 1,174,990,518
Infrastructure Investments in Smaller Communities and Rural Areas Economic Affairs Strong Economic Growth 171,319,905
New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project Economic Affairs Strong Economic Growth 42,661,977
Total Planned Spending by Spending Area (Dollars)*
Spending Area Total Planned Spending
Economic Affairs 3,604,855,517

[*]Note: The Total Planned Spending number provided in this table does not include expenses made by the Department under its Internal Services.

1.7 Departmental Spending Trend

1.7.1 Spending Trends

In 2015-2016, Infrastructure Canada plans to spend over $3.6 billion on infrastructure investments to meet expected program results and contribute to its Strategic Outcome. Planned spending figures for 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 are just over $3.8 billion and close to $3.5 billion respectively.

Figure 3: Departmental Spending Trend

Figure 3: Departmental Spending Trend

Text description of graph for Figure 3

Sunset Programs are time-limited programs that do not have an ongoing funding and policy authority.

** Funding under the Gas Tax Fund includes both Voted Spending and Statutory Spending. Until March 31, 2014 the program was Voted Spending, and as of April 1, 2014 spending under this program became Statutory Spending

1.7.2 Variations in Program Spending Trends

Overall, Figure 3 shows the relative stability of Infrastructure Canada's spending for the period of 2012-2013 to 2017-2018, with annual spending recorded and planned between $3.5 billion and $3.8 billion. In particular, Figure 3 highlights the stability of infrastructure funding provided through the Gas Tax Fund (GTF) with spending at around $2 billion a year, as Statutory Funding in 2014-2015 and beyond. The GTF is the only transfer payment program reflected in this graph not being considered as a "Sunset Program".

Beginning in 2014-2015, the Department is flowing funding towards the implementation of programs under the New Building Canada Plan. Funding from the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF), along with funding from previous programs (including programs under the 2007 Building Canada Fund), are captured in this graph under the category of "Sunset Programs", as per the Treasury Board Secretariat's standard definition referring to the notion of "time-limited programs".

Voted authorities for the New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project beyond 2015-2016 are not shown in this graph as funding for these fiscal years is expected to be obtained through Estimates processes.

1.8 Estimates by Vote

For information on Infrastructure Canada's organizational appropriations, please see the 2015-2016 Main Estimatesix publication.

Footnotes for Section 1

[1] The allocations for Transfer Payment Programs presented on this page are the original allocations announced by the Government of Canada, and do not reflect subsequent adjustments.

[2] Internal Services funding includes operating funding for core administration and program delivery.

[3] Type is defined as follows: previously committed to–committed to in the first or second fiscal year prior to the subject year of the report; ongoing–committed to at least three fiscal years prior to the subject year of the report; and new–newly committed to in the reporting year of the Report on Plans and Priorities.

[4] There were no expenditures under this program in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 fiscal years, as until March 31, 2014 Infrastructure Canada had a different program alignment architecture (PAA) structure.

[5] Unused funding from this program in 2014-2015 is expected to be re-profiled to 2015-2016 through 2015-2016 Supplementary Estimates processes.

[6] Funding for 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 is expected to be obtained through 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Estimates processes.

[7] Type is defined as follows: previously committed to—committed to in the first or second fiscal year prior to the subject year of the report; ongoing—committed to at least three fiscal years prior to the subject year of the report; and new—newly committed to in the reporting year of the Report on Plans and Priorities.

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