Moving forward on Canada's National Infrastructure Assessment
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting all orders of government in making informed decisions about infrastructure projects to ensure sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities across Canada.
On December 3, 2024, the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities announced the Canadian Infrastructure Council, an advisory body that will deliver Canada's first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA).
Infrastructure plays a central role in the daily life of Canadians. Building the infrastructure we need for today and future generations requires thoughtful planning, coordination and delivery.
The NIA will support Canada's long-term infrastructure planning and decision-making by compiling data and evidence and conducting research and analysis to help identify Canada's future infrastructure needs and priorities. The NIA will equip decision-makers at all levels of government, infrastructure owners and operators, and investors, with the tools needed to plan and make investment decisions that will serve Canadians well into the future.
The establishment of an expert advisory body to provide impartial advice and deliver an evidence-based NIA received broad support through Infrastructure Canada's public engagement with over 300 organizations and individuals in 2021. Read Building Pathways to 2050: Moving forward on the National Infrastructure Assessment for key recommendations from the engagement process.
The Canadian Infrastructure Council
The Canadian Infrastructure Council includes eleven experts from infrastructure-related fields from across the country who bring varying experience and perspectives on the challenges facing infrastructure in Canada. Each member will serve on the Council on a part-time basis until March 31, 2027.
Membership of the Canadian Infrastructure Council
- Jennifer Angel (Chair)
- Peter Weltman (Vice-Chair)
- Sara Brown
- James Dunn
- Joanna Eyquem
- Graham Gagnon
- John McKendrick
- Doug McNeil
- Catherine Morency
- Ren Thomas
- Judy Whiteduck
Read the Council members' biographies
Members of the Council will be expected to respond to the priorities set out by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and provide evidence-based research and advice that will serve all orders of government. As part of their mandate, Members will be asked to engage and seek knowledge, expertise, and data from industry experts, provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous governments, and other key partners and stakeholders.
Read the Council's terms of reference
Canada's first National Infrastructure Assessment
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the development of the core public infrastructure needed to build more homes. Insufficient and inadequate infrastructure is a key barrier to increasing housing supply. Communities need adequate water/wastewater systems and public transit to service new homes and accommodate more residents. The first NIA will be a critical piece in supporting communities to build the infrastructure needed to alleviate housing pressures and support the growth of sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities.
The Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities has asked the Canadian Infrastructure Council to focus the first NIA on the core community infrastructure needed to support the development of housing over the long-term, which includes:
- water and wastewater;
- public transit and active transportation; and,
- waste management.
The first NIA will also provide the data and evidence communities need to make long-term infrastructure investments, as well as the best practices on developing and maintaining climate resilient community infrastructure.
To receive updates on the work of the Canadian Infrastructure Council in developing the NIA, please sign up for our mailing list.
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