Tab-B: Mandate tracker

Contents

Investing in Canada plan

Mandate letter priority

Continue to work with other Members of Parliament to implement the Investing in Canada Plan. Your focus must be on the successful, timely delivery of our growth-generating investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure, as well as key strategic infrastructure that will increase trade. The key objectives of this plan are increasing economic growth and creating good middle class jobs with infrastructure that improves people’s quality of life.

Responsive lines

  • Our government believes in the importance of investing in infrastructure, and the Plan is our commitment to create good jobs and grow the economy, invest in cleaner air and water, modern and reliable public transit, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable communities.
  • We are on track, and making tremendous progress. We have already committed over $65.1 billion in federal funding and invested in over 52,000 projects from coast to coast to coast, most of which are either underway or completed.
  • Our government has been investing in projects that are creating good jobs and supporting our nation’s ongoing transition to a clean growth economy. And we are building on those successes and continuing to work with all partners to fully implement the plan.
  • Working together with my federal colleagues and delivery partners, our plan will continue to help communities of all sizes build the public infrastructure they need to ensure a brighter future for all Canadians

Background

  • The Investing in Canada Plan (the Plan) is the federal government's long-term infrastructure plan that was announced in Budget 2016 and further elaborated in the 2016 Fall Economic Statement, Budget 2017; and more recently Budget 2019. The Plan provides a single, consolidated strategic framework to guide the delivery of more than $180 billion in federal investments in infrastructure over 12 years.
  • The Investing in Canada Plan comprises $95.6 billion in new funding for infrastructure programs, committed in Budgets 2016 and 2017. Additionally, the Plan is designed to deliver $92.2 billion in pre-budget 2016 programs, through funding mechanisms such as the federal Gas Tax Fund and the New Building Canada Fund.
    • In Budget 2016, $14.4 billion was made available to accelerate federal investments in the short term by providing funding for the rehabilitation, repair, and modernization of existing public transit, green and social infrastructure, as well as for post-secondary education and broadband access for remote communities. All Budget 2016 programs under the Plan have launched and many have been completed.
    • In Budget 2017, more than $81 billion in new funding was made available to support five priority areas over the next decade: public transit, green and social infrastructure, trade and transportation, and rural and northern communities. All Budget 2017 programs have launched in addition to these programs.
  • To date, over 52,000 projects have been approved under the Plan. It total, over $65 billion has been committed to both new and existing projects. This data, and information on the estimated number of projects started and amount of funding flowed, are reported publicly on Infrastructure Canada’s website in the “Implementation Progress and Funding Update” data table.
  • Through Infrastructure Canada’s website we provide information on funding delivered under the Plan, as well as a Project Map where Canadians can locate and find more detailed information about infrastructure projects being built in their communities. Infrastructure Canada also reports on the Plan annually through Departmental Plans and Results Reports, and an annual publication.
  • Additionally, Infrastructure Canada provides updates on the progress of infrastructure commitments under the Plan through the Government’s mandate letter commitment tracker.

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program 2021 prioritization

Mandate letter priority

Require that all provinces and territories identify and approve all of their long-term infrastructure priorities within the next two years and according to the signed bilateral agreements. Funds that are not designated for specific approved projects by the end of 2021 will be reinvested directly in communities through a top up of the federal Gas Tax Fund.

Responsive lines

  • Through investing in infrastructure, we have an opportunity to work together, across all levels of government, to build a better Canada. The bilateral agreements signed with provinces and territories under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program provide the basis for working toward a common set of objectives and outcomes for Canadians.
  • We have made good progress in moving forward under these agreements. In many areas, the commitment of funding to specific projects is well-advanced. We owe it to Canadians to deliver much-needed infrastructure without undue delay.
  • Our priority is to work with provinces and territories to ensure that funds are designated for specific approved projects and that there is clarity for Canadians, by the end of 2021, on how remaining funds will be prioritized to meet the objectives of the program.
  • In cases where provinces and territories are not able to prioritize their remaining funding, the Government of Canada will reinvest this funding in communities through a top up of the federal Gas Tax Fund. The federal Gas Tax Fund gives communities the funds they need to invest in local priorities and improve the quality of their residents.

Background

  • To implement the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Canada signed bilateral agreements with all thirteen provinces and territories in 2018, providing long-term predictable infrastructure funding for provinces and territories.
    • Under these agreements, each province and territory has been allocated a specific funding envelope by stream. The four streams under the Program are the Public Transit stream; the Green Infrastructure stream; the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream; and the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure stream. In addition, all three territories have funding allocated under the Arctic Energy Fund.
    • Investments made under the Program are shared investments: costs are shared by the federal and provincial/territorial governments, as well as other partners in many cases (municipal governments, transit authorities, Indigenous communities, private sector partners, etc.).
    • Provinces and territories are responsible for identifying and prioritizing eligible projects, including ensuring a fair balance of municipal and provincial projects, and ensuring projects benefitting Indigenous peoples are considered.
    • The agreements provide until March 31, 2025 for provinces and territories to submit projects for Canada’s approval.
    • Within the first year of the program provinces and territories made substantial progress in the prioritization of funding, and more than 30 percent of funding was approved for specific projects prioritized by provinces and territories.
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  • Under the agreements, provinces and territories agreed to provide rolling three-year infrastructure plans on an annual basis. The plans are intended provide a comprehensive picture of provincial/territorial funding priorities and plans to achieve the Program’s intended outcomes.

National Infrastructure Fund

Mandate letter priority

Create a National Infrastructure Fund to seek out and support major nation-building projects that will benefit people across various regions, connect our country and improve quality of life. This should start by supporting the Newfoundland-Labrador fixed transportation link.

Responsive lines

  • Our government is committed to projects that will help grow the economy, create jobs and connect our country.
  • The National Infrastructure Fund will support projects that benefit Canada, but that would not readily be realized without leadership by the Government of Canada. I am engaging broadly on this initiative, and will have more to say on Fund in the future.
  • With regards to the Newfoundland-Labrador Fixed Link project, we will be looking at it as a project of national importance. A feasibility study will help dig deeper into the economics and rationale of the project.

Background

  • Historically, Infrastructure Canada has engaged in research on potential nation-building projects on an ad hoc basis. Given the department’s primary role of funding infrastructure, this has not been an area Infrastructure Canada has significantly invested in thus far. The National Infrastructure Fund would be a shift in the way Infrastructure Canada does business and would demonstrate growth in department’s role.
  • A pre-feasibility study for the fixed transportation link was conducted by the Newfoundland-Labrador provincial government in 2004, with the most recent update published in 2018. The report suggests a cost of between $20-23 million for a feasibility study and Environmental Assessment.
  • Last year, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities issued part two of their report titled Establishing a Canadian Transportation and Logistics Strategy. The report recommended that the Government of Canada partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Quebec, and the private sector to work toward building the fixed link, linking the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the province of Quebec to increase the reliability of transportation between the two provinces and alleviating an existing bottleneck that exists with the current ferry service.

Just Transition Fund

Mandate letter priority

Finalize the creation of an additional infrastructure fund by 2020-2021 to support priority projects and economic diversification for communities transitioning from fossil fuels.

Responsive lines

  • The challenge of climate change requires Canada to transition our economy and, in particular, our energy system to one that is more sustainable. This is why, through Budget 2019, the Government of Canada committed $150 million to create a dedicated infrastructure fund to support priority projects and economic diversification in impacted communities in western and eastern Canada.
  • This initiative builds on the Budget 2018 commitment to provide $35 million over five years to create worker transition centres to offer skills development and economic diversification activities in affected regions.
  • Building on the work already underway to support Just Transition, I am working in close partnership with my colleagues to finalize the creation of a dedicated $150 million infrastructure fund to meet the needs of affected communities.

Background

  • As part of the federal Government’s overall approach to advance a “just transition” for workers and communities affected by the phasing-out of coal-fired electricity by 2030, Budget 2019 announced the creation of a dedicated $150 million infrastructure fund, starting in 2020–21, to support priority projects and economic diversification in impacted communities.
  • Budget 2019 indicated that this new fund would be administered by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
  • Budget 2019 also proposed to create worker transition centres to offer skills development and economic diversification activities in western and eastern Canada. Budget 2019 noted that Budget 2018 provided $35 million over five years to WD and ACOA to support this initiative.

Permanent Public Transit Fund

Mandate letter priority

Make the federal commitment to fund public transit permanent and rise with the cost of construction over time. Ensure that new federal investments in public transit are used to support zero-emission buses and rail systems starting in 2023 and work with municipalities to address any exceptional circumstances.

Responsive lines

  • Efficient public transit is vital to build sustainable and inclusive communities. That is why the government has made historic federal investments in this area, and is now taking steps to make this commitment to transit permanent.
  • We recognize that long-term predictable funding enables better strategic planning at the local level and helps projects produce cross-cutting environmental, social, and economic benefits.
  • Over the coming months, I will be engaging with stakeholders and experts to learn more about Canada’s next generation of transit needs, and their insights will help shape this future envelope.

Background

  • The Government of Canada has already committed to invest $28.7 billion in public transit projects through the Investing in Canada Plan. This figure includes investments made under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, which closed to applications in early 2018, and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which is being delivered via ten-year bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories.
  • The Government of Canada has also recently committed to introduce new funding to help municipalities and school boards purchase 5,000 zero-emission transit and school buses over the next five years. This commitment is an important step in Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

5000 ZEV buses

Mandate letter priority

Work with provinces and territories to introduce new funding to help school boards and municipalities purchase 5,000 zero-emission school and transit buses over the next five years.

Responsive lines

  • Our commitment to support the purchase of 5,000 zero-emission school and transit buses will help to provide Canadians with sustainable transportation options.
  • Canada is advancing toward a Net Zero future, and beginning to transition our public transit fleets is an important step on this path.
    This commitment will support the proliferation of zero-emissions technology throughout Canada’s transportation sector, a sector which is a major contributor to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. It will also produce public health benefits by reducing exposure to the toxic chemicals contained in vehicle exhaust.

Background

  • Since 2015, Infrastructure Canada has supported the purchase of at least 229 battery-electric buses through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
  • A related commitment in your mandate letter will see new federal investments in public transit directed to zero-emission bus and rail systems beginning in 2023. The government will also work with municipalities to address any exceptional circumstances.

Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund

Mandate letter priority

Launch a new call for proposals under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to address the impacts of climate change, adjusting the program as required to ensure that the most impactful projects are supported, including those related to natural infrastructure, whether they are from small, rural and Indigenous communities or large urban centres.

Responsive lines

  • Climate change is dramatically impacting Canadian communities from coast to coast to coast.
  • Now more than ever, communities of all sizes need to take measures to reduce the impacts that natural disasters such as floods and wildfires, have on their residents.
  • That is why, in the coming year, Infrastructure Canada will launch a new call for proposals for the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to increase the climate resilience of our communities.
  • We will be selecting the most impactful projects, whether they are from small, rural and Indigenous communities, or large urban centres.

Background

  • Infrastructure Canada has begun policy development in preparation for the launch of a second call for proposals under the merit-based Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).
    • This work will include consideration of options to ensure the most impactful projects are selected, whether they are from small, rural and Indigenous communities or large urban centres.
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  • The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) was launched on May 17, 2018. Under the first call for proposals, 59 projects have been announced to-date in communities across Canada such as Surrey (BC), the Regional Municipality of York (ON), Montréal (QC) and Saint John (NB). These projects reflect over $834 million being invested in thirty communities with populations under 100,000.

Parliamentary Budget Office

Mandate letter priority

Ensure that Canadians have access to accurate and timely information about infrastructure investments in their communities, and work with your Cabinet colleagues to improve financial reporting to Canadians and the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Responsive lines

  • Infrastructure Canada has been working with the Parliamentary Budget Office to ensure that it has the most up-to-date information available for its reports. This collaborative approach supports the Parliamentary Budget Officer in his mandate to accurately report to Canadians on how federal infrastructure funding is being spent and the results of these investments.
  • Infrastructure Canada’s website provides Canadians with information about programs and projects funded under the Investing in Canada Plan. This includes information on where projects are being built, the number of projects that have been approved, and the amount of funding that has been approved to date.
  • The economic benefits of infrastructure investments start when the Government approves projects. We have already committed over $65.1 billion in federal funding and invested in over 52,000 projects from coast to coast to coast, most of which are either underway or completed.
  • Our government has been investing in projects that are creating good jobs and supporting our nation’s ongoing transition to a clean growth economy. And we are building on those successes and continuing to work with all partners to fully implement the plan.

Background

  • Since March 2018, the has released four reports on infrastructure spending, with a focus on Phase 1 of the Investing in Canada plan.
  • On March 29, 2018, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) published Status Report on Phase 1 of the New Infrastructure Plan, noting that there have been delays in federal infrastructure spending, project identification, and project start dates.
  • On August 22, 2018, the PBO published a Status Report on Phase 1 of the Investing in Canada Plan. While reiterating previous findings pertaining to delays in federal funding compared to Budget 2016 timeline, the report added that these delays were largely attributable to implementation delays by provincial and municipal governments.
  • On March 13, 2019 the PBO published the “Infrastructure Update: Investments in Provinces and Municipalities” report, followed by the supplemental report Infrastructure Update: Investment in Territories on April 9, 2019, looking at the Territories.
    • These reports focused on provincial/territorial and municipal infrastructure investments. The PBO examined capital investments made by provinces, territories and five municipalities (Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal) with the objective of identifying the incremental impact of the Investing in Canada plan (IICP) on provincial and municipal spending.
  • Currently, Infrastructure Canada has been working with the PBO to provide information and data on the more than 52,000 announced projects under the Plan to support their upcoming reports on this government’s infrastructure investments.

Canada Infrastructure Bank

Mandate letter priority

You are the Minister responsible for the arm’s-length Canada Infrastructure Bank, now fully operational. With the support of the Minister of Finance, you ensure the Bank has the support it needs for its core purpose of attracting private sector and institutional investment to expand the scope of public infrastructure investment in Canada, in line with the Government’s public policy objectives.

Responsive lines

  • The CIB is a marquee initiative under the Investing in Canada Plan. I am pleased to be entrusted with responsibility for the CIB, and to work collaboratively with the Minister of Finance in support of this very important organization.
  • The CIB supports our Government’s public policy objectives by not only investing in green, trade and transportation, public transit and broadband infrastructure, but by attracting private sector investment into those projects helping to get more public infrastructure built.
  • Large and transformative projects take time to develop and the CIB is promoting a new partnership model to transform the way infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in Canada.

Background/Context

  • The CIB was established to work with governments across Canada to invest, and seek to attract investment from private sector investors and institutional investors, in revenue generating infrastructure projects that are in the public interest, such as those that support economic growth or sustainability.
  • The CIB is led by Governor-in-Council Appointed CEO and Board of Directors. Although the CIB is an arm’s length Crown corporation, it remains subject to your oversight as the responsible minister accountable to Parliament for the CIB’s activities.
  • The CIB executes its mandate through three business lines: advisory; investments; and data & information. The advisory and data & information functions are mutually reinforcing and intended to support the CIB’s investment activities.
  • The CIB is establishing broad engagement with stakeholders, especially provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous partners, to catalyze new approaches and behavior to infrastructure development.
  • The CIB is working to develop a project pipeline / inventory to help inform the market and attract a wider group of investors.
  • The CIB is currently actively engaged on 26 projects, and has publicly announced formal advisory engagement on nine of them. The CIB also continues to assess and evaluate new proposals on an ongoing basis.

Broadband

Mandate letter priority

With the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, and with the support of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Minister of Canadian Heritage, work with the Bank to deliver high-speed internet to 100 per cent of Canadian homes and businesses by 2030.

Responsive lines

  • The Government is committed to help deliver high-speed internet to 100 per cent of Canadian homes and businesses by 2030.
  • The Canada Infrastructure Bank is working closely, and coordinating with, other government departments to determine the appropriate funding vehicles for various projects in broadband.
  • Similarly, they are also engaged in discussions with private sector stakeholders in regards to how their model can support broadband projects.

Background

  • Budget 2019 proposed a new, coordinated plan that would deliver $5 to $6 billion in new investments in rural broadband over the next 10 years. The announcement also noted that “The Canada Infrastructure Bank will seek to invest $1 billion over the next 10 years, and leverage at least $2 billion in additional private sector investment to increase broadband access for Canadians.”
  • In June 2019, the Minister of Rural Economic Development launched the Rural Economic Development Strategy and Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, intended to support federal efforts to provide broadband to all Canadians.
  • Minister Monsef has also been asked to work with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to increase high-speed broadband coverage, develop and implement programming, and ensure that government and private sector efforts are coordinated.
  • The Canada Infrastructure Bank has been asked to support connectivity projects by investing up to $1 billion through funding tools including loans, equity and loan guarantees. These investments can further leverage at least $2 billion in private investment, making the impact of publicly funded projects and dollars go further.
  • Given that broadband was not an asset class originally envisioned for the CIB, the Bank took time to develop the criteria to determine if a proposed broadband project is bankable and a good candidate for the Bank model. Discussions with proponents are ongoing, to determine how the Bank can best support them from an advisory and investment perspective.

Clean Power Fund

Mandate letter priority

Move forward with a Clean Power Fund, sourced through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, to help finance the development and linking of clean energy to transmission systems and to support the transition of northern, remote and Indigenous communities from reliance on diesel-fueled power to clean, renewable and reliable energy. The Clean Power Fund will contribute to the achievement of Canada’s climate goals, helping move more electricity between provinces and regions and supporting the electrification of Canadian industries.

Responsive lines

  • Our government is making infrastructure decisions that will contribute to a low carbon future.  This includes encouraging and supporting investments in clean and renewable energy.
  • Budget 2019 highlighted the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s role in helping plan and finance projects that improve Canadians’ access to clean electricity that is affordable and reliable.
  • The Clean Power Fund, to be sourced from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, builds on the Bank’s existing mandate to invest in green infrastructure projects.
  • Options around how the Clean Power Fund will operate are currently under development and will be made public at the appropriate time.

Background

  • Canada currently has second cleanest power system in the industrialized world (i.e., 82% of power generation comes from non-emitting sources such as hydro, nuclear, renewables). However, electricity is being used to meet only 20% of Canada’s energy needs.
  • Budget 2017 announced that the CIB would be “responsible for investing at least $35 billion over 11 years, using loans, loan guarantees and equity investments. These investments will be made strategically, with a focus on large, transformative projects such as regional transit plans, transportation networks and electricity grid interconnections.”
  • Further, Budget 2017 stipulated that, “At least $5 billion will be available over the next 11 years for green infrastructure projects, including those that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, deliver clean air and safe water systems, and promote renewable power.”
  • Budget 2019 noted that the CIB is well positioned to work with jurisdictions, including northern communities, to plan and finance projects that improve access within Canada to affordable, reliable and clean electricity in the most effective way. This includes projects that improve interconnections between provincial electricity grids. The Budget indicated that CIB could help jurisdictions assess supply and demand dynamics, and develop business cases for promising projects. It could also co-invest in projects in order to attract capital from and transfer risks to the private sector.

Bridges

Mandate letter priority

Continue progress on priority bridges: completing the toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge; working with the Minister of Transport, the Canadian National Railway Company and the Government of Québec to begin the rehabilitation of the Pont de Québec; and supporting the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as it advances the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Responsive lines

Pont de Québec rehabilitation:

  • The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of restoring the Quebec Bridge. INFC is committed to finding a sustainable approach to begin the rehabilitation of the Bridge.
  • On August 23, 2019, Yvon Charest was appointed as a special negotiator in the Quebec Bridge file. The negotiator’s mandate is to recommend options to see the Quebec Bridge rehabilitated, in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • The negotiator will present his recommendations to the Federal Government for consideration in the coming months.
  • It is important to note that INFC is committed to evidence-based decision making, which is achieved through the realization of quantitative analysis, complementary to the Negotiator’s work activities.
  • The Quebec Bridge remains safe for the daily movement of people and goods.

Samuel de Champlain Bridge Project :

  • Infrastructure Canada was proud to open the Samuel De Champlain Bridge in both directions on July 1, 2019 following an accelerated procurement process and an ambitious construction schedule.
  • The Samuel De Champlain Bridge is a key transportation artery for the Montreal region with over 40 million vehicular users annually, and includes new sustainable transportation options with a year-round multiple-use path and a forthcoming light-rail transit system owned by CDPQ Infra. It plays a strategic importance as a key economic gateway between Canada and the United States, facilitating over $20 billion dollars in trade annually
  • Infrastructure Canada continues to work with the Private Partner, Signature on the Saint-Lawrence Group (SSLG) and other key stakeholders on the remaining components such as the Réseau express métropolitain light rail transit system, which are expected to be fully completed in 2020.
  • The project is transitioning towards the operations, maintenance and rehabilitation (OMR) period which will be managed by the Private Partner under a 30-year OMR contract.

Gordie Howe International Bridge Project:

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is a great example of Canada investing in strategic trade-enabling infrastructure. By increasing capacity at this vital trade corridor Canada is investing in our trading relationships both with U.S. and foreign markets. The Windsor-Detroit trade corridor is one of the most significant trade corridors in the world and handles more than 25 per cent of the overall Canada-U.S. surface trade per year, and more than 30 per cent of the trade carried by truck. 
  • The new crossing will ensure direct connectivity with existing highway networks on both sides of the border. It will include enhanced border infrastructure to help move goods and travelers efficiently while ensuring safety and security. This will stimulate further investments and economic growth within the region and support efficient cross-border supply chains.
  • Work on all four components of the project, including the Canadian and U.S. Ports of Entry, the Michigan Interchange and the bridge itself, are well underway. The bridge is expected to open to traffic by the end of 2024.

Background

Pont de Québec Rehabilitation

  • On August 23, 2019, Yvon Charest was appointed special negotiator in the Quebec bridge file. The negotiator's mandate is to recommend options to ensure the sustainability of the Quebec Bridge and to begin its rehabilitation. The negotiator is considering several options, including legislative options and a transfer of ownership of the bridge with adequate compensation from the other parties.
  • Throughout his mandate, the negotiator developed collaborative relationships with the CN and the various stakeholders involved in this file.
  • The negotiator will present his final report to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and the Minister of Finance, including his recommendation to see the Bridge rehabilitated, in the coming months. His recommendation will be supported by an evidence-based approach.

Samuel de Champlain Bridge Project

  • On June 16, 2015, the Government of Canada entered into a Project Agreement with Signature on the Saint Lawrence Group (SSLG). The contract was signed on June 19, 2015.
  • The Samuel De Champlain Bridge corridor project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in North America. The corridor-wide project includes the 3.4 km long Samuel De Champlain Bridge, a new 470 m Île-des-Soeurs Bridge, the reconstruction and widening of the federal portion of Autoroute 15 and urban integration elements.
  • The Samuel De Champlain Bridge was designed with a focus on sustainable development, with an estimated useful life of 125 years. The Private Partner was mandated to integrate rigorous environmental monitoring and mitigation measures in order to limit the impacts from the surrounding environment.
  • From the outset of the project, the Government of Canada implemented rigorous quality control and oversight mechanisms and has closely monitored the construction to ensure that all of the Project Agreement requirements are met. This rigorous oversight helps ensure the bridge’s safe and efficient operation for the next 125 years.
  • The project earned an Envision Platinum Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure for achieving one of the highest standards of sustainable development and environmental performance on an infrastructure project. This distinction is one of the first to be awarded in Québec for infrastructure on the scale of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge, and the first in Canada to be awarded for a bridge project.
  • Infrastructure Canada and its Private Partner, Signature on the Saint Lawrence Group, are collaborating with CDPQ Infra to ensure the timely integration of the Réseau express métropolitain light rail transit system in the Samuel De Champlain Bridge dedicated transit corridor.

Gordie Howe International Bridge Project:

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is in its second year of its 6 year design-build phase. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is overseeing the design and construction of the new crossing by its private partner, Bridging North America. 
  • Infrastructure Canada works in partnership with Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Michigan, and project partners to support the advancement of this priority project.

Distinctions-based community plans

Mandate letter priority

Work with the Minister of Indigenous Services to co-develop and invest in distinctions-based community infrastructure plans, and move forward with addressing critical needs including housing, all-weather roads, high-speed internet, health facilities, treatment centres and schools in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities by 2030. These plans should also include new investments to support the operation and maintenance of this infrastructure.

Responsive lines

  • I am committed to advancing a whole-of-government approach to reconciliation and improving the socio-economic outcomes of Indigenous communities and peoples through sustainable and inclusive infrastructure investments.
  • I am working with the Minister of Indigenous Services and my other Cabinet colleagues to engage Indigenous partners and support the co-development of distinctions-based community infrastructure plans that address critical infrastructure needs in both the near and long term.

Background

  • Indigenous Services Canada has convened implicated federal departments to begin developing a coordinated plan to action this commitment.
    • This work will entail ongoing collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners to co-develop community plans that are reflective of the distinct needs of Indigenous communities. It will also consider how existing federal strategies and plans could support this work.
  • Infrastructure Canada is engaged with the permanent bilateral mechanisms with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to support work on infrastructure related priorities.
    • The department is co-chairing an infrastructure working group with Indigenous Services Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami under the Inuit Crown Partnership Committe to develop an Inuit Nunangat Infrastructure Strategy. This work will support the co-development of the Inuit community infrastructure plans.
  • Under Infrastructure Canada’s current programming, all Indigenous communities, government and organizations are eligible recipients. This compliments Indigenous Services Canada’s distinctions-based funding, which is largely focused on addressing the infrastructure needs of on-reserve First Nations communities.
  • The department’s current funding includes provisions to support Indigenous communities and peoples, including:
    • eligibility for Indigenous health and education facilities that support the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action;
    • dedicated funding for projects that benefit Indigenous people not on reserve; and
    • community employment benefits, which ensure that major projects report on employment and/or procurement opportunities for targeted groups, including Indigenous peoples.

FCM – MCIP MAMP

Mandate letter priority

Work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through the Green Municipal Fund, the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program and the Municipal Asset Management Program to build climate resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make better decisions, and monitor investments and ensure they reduce emissions from residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings.

Responsive lines

  • Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to ensure that the Green Municipal Fund, the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program and the Municipal Asset Management Program continue to enhance community capacity to increase climate resilience and contribute to Canada’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.
  • Budget 2019 made an incremental $950 million available for the Green Municipal Fund to increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings. Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on implementing this commitment.
  • Budget 2019 also provided an additional $60 million for the Municipal Asset Management Program, which builds capacity in small communities to conduct infrastructure asset management.
  • Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to ensure that increased asset management capacity delivered through this program realizes the greatest possible impact – in the context of reducing the total cost of ownership for infrastructure assets and providing a basis for enhanced consideration of greenhouse gas emissions reduction opportunities and climate resilience.
  • The Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program provides funding, training and resources to help Canadian municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has been fully subscribed in advance of its scheduled end in 2022.

Background

  • The Green Municipal Fund supports grants, loans and loan guarantees to encourage investment in environmental municipal projects. Since 2000, the Green Municipal Fund has financed more than 1,310 municipal sustainability initiatives. These projects have cut 2.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions through $862 million worth of approved sustainability initiatives.
  • Budget 2019 significantly expanded the work of the Green Municipal Fund. Three upcoming initiatives include:
    • Making affordable and social housing units more energy efficient.
    • Supporting home energy projects to make homes more affordable and energy efficient.
    • Supporting activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large community buildings.
  • The Federation of Canadian Municipalities delivers two programs funded by Infrastructure Canada, that were launched in February 2017:
    • The Municipal Asset Management Program
      • A program that helps Canadian municipalities make informed infrastructure investment decisions based on sound asset management practices. Initially designed as a five-year, $50 million program.
      • Budget 2019 committed to provide an additional $60 million in funding for the program, as well as extend the program for an additional three years to 2024-2025.
      • Benefits of improved asset management include reduced total cost of ownership and extend beyond this to lay the foundation for consideration of climate and other risks in infrastructure decision-making.
    • The Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program
      • A five-year, $75 million program that provides funding, training and resources to help Canadian municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Program is scheduled to end in 2021-2022, but is already fully subscribed.
      • The program provides: (1) grants for training partners who provide assistance and expertise to municipalities; and (2) grants to municipalities to support plans, operational studies, feasibility studies, small capital projects, and climate change staff positions. The program has funded 276 municipal climate projects, reflecting investment of $48.5 million.

International

Mandate letter priority

Work with international partners to share best practices around the leveraging of infrastructure to contribute to innovation, resilience and a low-carbon future, supporting the creation of Canadian jobs and attracting infrastructure investment into Canada.

Responsive lines

  • Engaging with our international partners provides opportunities to learn from innovative successes, help attract investment to Canada, and support job creation at home. 
  • There is exciting work in the public infrastructure investment space going on – driving innovation, climate resilience, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Canada also has best practices to share – including world-leading, best practices on adapting building codes for natural disasters, and we’re engaged with international efforts through the Global Commission on Adaptation, the OECD Task Force on Climate Change Adaptation, and at the G20 to support the exchange of leading edge practices. 

Background

  • In your role as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, you have engaged with a number of international partners already.  For example, with North American and European leaders in finance, such as the Global Infrastructure Investor Association, to explore emerging commitments to sustainable approaches to infrastructure investment and to help attract investment to Canada. You have also been talking to international partners implementing major transit projects on best practices, and on strategic infrastructure planning at the national level.
  • In addition, Infrastructure Canada is contributing to discussions taking place under the OECD Task Force on Climate Change Adaptation (TFCCA), the Global Commission on Adaptation, and at the G20 to build on the G20 Action Agenda on Adaptation and Resilient Infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure Canada is also funding the development of data, guidelines, standards, and codes for climate-resilient buildings, bridges, roads, transit, water and wastewater systems through the Climate-Resilient Buildings and Core Public Infrastructure Initiative.
  • Drawing on the work funded by Infrastructure Canada, Canada is influencing international progress on resilience and standards development through the International Standards Organization to address wildland fire and asset design life. Canada has also shared world-leading practices on adapting building codes to natural disasters with Australia, New Zealand and the United States as part of a working group of the International Codes Commission.

Support VIA Rail

Mandate letter priority

Support the Minister of Transport, in his capacity as Minister responsible for VIA Rail, to create high frequency rail for the Toronto-Quebec City corridor.

Responsive lines

  • Our Government is committed to working together to support VIA to bring high frequency rail in the Toronto to Quebec City corridor.
  • A key step has been the announcement of the creation of the HFR Joint Project Office between VIA and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to move forward with next steps on the de-risking and pre-procurement activities.
  • These activities will help position the Government to make a final investment decision on the HFR project.

Background

  • VIA currently operates on shared infrastructure with freight operators, resulting in congestion on conventional tracks, limited frequencies, and poor on-time performance. These impacts therefore constrain the ability of VIA’s intercity passenger rail service to be an effective and reliable mobility option for Canadians.
  • In response to these challenges, in 2016, VIA put forward a proposal for HFR between Toronto and Quebec City. A cornerstone of the HFR project is a proposed investment in dedicated tracks exclusive to its services to allow for more frequent, faster and reliable service throughout every day.
  • Transport Canada has worked with VIA, the CIB and Finance Canada to conduct an in-depth assessment of VIA’s HFR proposal. In June 2019, the Government committed $71.1 million (including $55 million from the CIB) through a Joint Project Office, to undertake pre-procurement and de-risking activities identified by Transport Canada’s due diligence.
  • This includes preparation for an environmental assessment and preliminary work on land acquisitions, and stakeholder engagement, including consultations with Indigenous communities.
  • This funding will also support investments preserve the option of interoperability between VIA’s proposed HFR service and Montreal’s future Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail system (a CIB-financed project), and to further explore better linking these systems in the area of the Trudeau International Airport in Dorval.

Trade corridors

Mandate letter priority

Support the Minister of Transport to invest in Canada’s trade corridors to increase global market access for Canadian goods.

Responsive lines

  • Trade and transportation investments increase the efficiency, safety and resilience of Canada’s transportation system and improve supply chain fluidity and performance.
  • That is why the Government of Canada has mandated the Canada Infrastructure Bank to invest a minimum of $5 billion in projects addressing trade and transportation priorities across the country.
  • I am continuing to work with my colleague, the Minister of Transport, to invest in trade corridors in a way that helps Canadians compete in key global markets and trade more efficiently with international partners.

Background

  • The Government of Canada is investing $10.1 billion in trade and transportation projects through the Investing in Canada Plan. Transport Canada is the federal lead on this file.
  • This includes investments made under the $2.4‑billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF), which already invested more than
    $800 million to fund 39 projects across Canada.
  • A Northern call for proposals was launched on November 19, 2018, which focusses specifically on targeting transportation-related infrastructure investments in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This call, which closed March 29, 2019, resulted in funding 11 projects and a federal funding commitment of more than
    $230 million to address unique transportation priorities in Canada’s territorial North.
  • A third call for proposals was launched on January 15, 2019, which focusses on diversifying Canada’s trade. The call will be open as long as there are funds available with no specific deadline to submit proposals.
  • In addition, the Canada Infrastructure Bank will invest a minimum of $5 billion in projects that advance trade and transportation priorities across the country.
    • For example, the Bank has recently committed up to
      $300 million to the Port of Montreal’s expansion project in Contrecoeur. The new Contrecoeur Port Terminal will increase handling capacity to meet demand from international shippers.

Housing Supply Challenge

Mandate letter priority

Support the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development to finalize the design and implementation of the Housing Supply Challenge. The design should include a detailed outreach plan to municipalities, which are the main stakeholders targeted by the challenge.

Responsive lines

  • Everyone in Canada deserves a home that they can afford and that meets their needs, but many Canadians struggle to find, maintain and afford a good place to live. A lack of supply in cities with significant demand for housing can push prices up.
  • This is why the Government has announced the Housing Supply Challenge, which will provide $300 million and will result in new ideas and solutions that will help more people find an affordable place to call home.
  •  I will support my colleague, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development as we develop and launch this initiative in the spring.

Background

  • Budget 2019 announced Housing Supply Challenge, which will provide $300 million to help municipalities grow housing supply and unlock new solutions for Canadians searching for an affordable place to call home.
  • The Challenge is led by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and will be delivered in collaboration with the Impact and Innovation Unit in the Privy Council Office and Infrastructure Canada.
  • It will consist of multi-million dollar prizes across several competitions that address different barriers to housing supply. Issues and trends that affect housing supply which could be the focus of a challenge prize could focus include:
    • Supporting urban densification
    • Enhancing productivity in construction
    • Improving data on land availability and value
    • Reducing building timelines
    • Addressing land availability constraints
    • Expanding flexible tenure options
  • The first competition will launch in spring 2020.
  • Through its investments, Infrastructure Canada supports the development of public transit as well as community, culture, and recreation infrastructure, which work alongside federal housing investments to help build liveable and well-connected communities.