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Tab B: Briefing Notes

Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program

Issue / Question

Infrastructure Canada has signed long-term infrastructure agreements with all provincial and territorial partners to make unprecedented investments in public transit, green infrastructure, recreational, cultural, and community infrastructure, as well as rural and northern communities.

Suggested Response

  • Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Bilateral Agreements, Infratructure Canada is providing funding for public transit, green, community, culture and recreational, and rural and northern infrastructure projects from coast to coast to coast.
  • Four years in, three-quarters of the available funding under this signature program is already committed to infrastructure projects across the country.
  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program now includes a new COVID-19 Resilience stream with expanded eligibilities and federal cost-sharing.
  • In 2021, an additional $120 million was added to the COVID-19 Resilience stream to improve ventilation in public buildings, and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Now, an additional $70 million will be added to help further the impact of these investments.

Background

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is a 10 year allocation-based program. Provinces and territories (P/Ts), in consultation with municipalities and Indigenous communities, are responsible for identifying, prioritizing and submitting projects, and flowing funds to eligible ultimate recipients.
  • Managed through Integrated Bilateral Agreements (IBAs), the ICIP was originally divided into four funding streams: Public Transit ($20.1 billion); Green Infrastructure ($9.2 billion); Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure ($1.3 billion); and Rural and Northern Infrastructure ($2 billion + $400 million for the Arctic Energy Fund).
  • With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new COVID-19 Resilience stream was created to help communities respond to the immediate pressures and concerns resulting from the pandemic, as well as build resiliency for the future. The creation of this new funding stream allowed P/Ts to transfer up to 10% of their initial allocations under the ICIP (over $3 billion in existing funding) to fund quick-start, short-term projects that might not otherwise be eligible under the existing funding streams.
  • The Fall Economic Statement 2020 announced a commitment to provide $150 million over three years, starting in 2020-21, to improve ventilation in public buildings and help reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19. The ICIP's COVID-19 Resilience stream was allocated $120 million from this commitment, and another $70 million through the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021 to further support ventilation projects in public and community buildings.
  • Examples of eligible projects include:
    • Public Transit: New Light Rail Transit systems; extensions of existing subway systems; electric bus purchases; or removing barriers in the built environment, such as by providing wheelchair ramps at transit stations.
    • Green: Renewable energy storage; strategic Interties; publicly-accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations; preservation of natural wetland systems; rehabilitation of public infrastructure to be climate resilient; or, water main and sewer replacement, waste diversion, and recycling facilities.
    • Community, Culture and Recreation: Community centres, art galleries, community recreation and trail facilities, and community service hubs.
    • Rural and Northern: Greenhouses, community freezers, short sea shipping wharves, and broadband projects.
    • COVID-19 Resilience stream: Upgrades to municipal and community buildings, hospitals or schools, temporary COVID-19 testing facilities, active transportation pathways, and ventilation improvement in public buildings.

Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program

Issue / Question

How is the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program assisting Canadians?

Suggested Response

  • The Government of Canada is committed to making public community buildings – both existing and new – more energy efficient, lower carbon and more resilient.
  • We are committed to supporting publicly-accessible buildings that serve high-needs and under-served communities across Canada.
  • That is why the new Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program is providing $1.5 billion over five years to support green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades of existing buildings, as well as the construction of new buildings.
  • To date, five projects have been approved and announced under the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program with many more to come in the upcoming months.

Background

  • Announced in December 2020 as part of Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan, the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program (GICB) advances the Government's climate priorities to reduce GHG emissions and enhance the climate resilience of community buildings.
  • The GICB Program will invest $1.5 billion by providing funding directly to communities over five years (2021-26).
  • The GICB Program supports green and inclusive retrofits, repairs or upgrades of existing public community buildings and the construction of new publicly-accessible community, cultural and recreational buildings that serve high-needs, under-served communities across Canada, including Indigenous communities.
  • The GICB was launched on April 14, 2021 and includes two intake streams:
    1. Continuous Intake:
      • Small and medium retrofit projects (under $3 million) to existing buildings will be accepted on a continuous basis and funded on a rolling intake basis.
    2. Scheduled Intake:
      • Large retrofit projects to existing buildings or new community building projects ranging from $3 million to $25 million. The scheduled intake stream closed on July 6, 2021.
  • The program is community-based, providing direct-to-recipient funding. Eligible recipients include: provincial and territorial governments, municipal governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, and not-for-profit organizations. GICB is a national funding envelope with no provincial or territorial allocations.
  • A minimum of $150 million (10%) will be allocated on a distinctions-basis to Indigenous projects being led by and for Indigenous populations and communities. The program also provides for an expanded set of eligible facilities available only to Indigenous applicants as well as direct Indigenous applicant support.

Funding for the Permanent Public Transit Program

Issue / Question

How is the Government of Canada responding to the need for public transit?

Suggested Response

  • Federal transit funding supports public transit systems and active transportation networks, creates jobs, and makes communities more accessible and liveable to all.
  • The Permanent Public Transit Program (PPTP) announced in Budget 2021 provides $14.9 billion over eight years with $3 billion per year ongoing starting in 2026-2027. This funding builds on the $19 billion in funding already available across the country from existing federal programs.
  • Funding will support near-term major transit, zero-emission transit systems, active transportation, and solutions for rural communities.
  • Over the coming months, the government will engage with all orders of government, Indigenous communities, transit agencies, policy experts and other stakeholders to develop an approach to permanent public transit funding that offers the greatest benefits to Canadians.

Background

  • On February 10, 2021, the Prime Minister announced new public transit funding of $14.9 billion over eight years, which includes creating a permanent public transit fund of $3 billion per year, beginning in 2026-27. For decades governments have heard from municipalities and transit authorities that a source of permanent and stable funding is essential to allow for careful and long-term project planning and delivery. Engagement with stakeholders on the development of the permanent transit funding is expected to begin in the near future.
  • The new PPTP was created to support the expansion of permanent public transit systems and active transportation networks across Canada from coast to coast. The program includes three direct-application funds which aim to support the economic recovery from COVID-19 by creating jobs, particularly in the construction sector and throughout related supply chains:
    • The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF): The five year, $2.75 billion ZETF will advance the Government of Canada's commitment to help procure 5,000 zero emission public transit and school buses across Canada. Funding will be closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank's (CIB) commitment to invest in Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) as part of its three-year Growth Plan.
    • The Active Transportation Fund (ATF): The five year, $400 million ATF will expand and enhance active transportation networks in communities of all types and sizes, and support Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy. It will do so by supporting planning for and deployment of a wide range of walking, cycling, and other active mobility infrastructure.
    • The Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF): The five year, $250 million RTSF will address unique mobility challenges in rural communities by supporting planning and deployment of locally tailored mobility solutions in rural communities, including support to assess the viability of new approaches to mobility.
  • Funding is also being made available to accelerate future major transit projects and supporting the expansion of large urban transit systems that many Canadians depend on every day.
  • These funding opportunities are part of the nearly $15 billion investment for public transit projects announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year. Federal funding for public transit helps communities of all sizes ensure their residents can get around.
  • These funding opportunities are also key to the Government's commitment to ambitious climate action that keeps our environment and our economy healthy. In Canada, the transportation sector, which includes passenger cars and buses, accounts for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. Good transit is key to any plan to keep air clean and build strong communities. Tackling climate change and reaching net-zero by 2050 requires strong action by all orders of government and that is exactly what the Government of Canada will continue working with partners to deliver.

Ventilation Improvement Funding

Issue / Question

How are infrastructure investments for ventilation improvements contributing to pandemic recovery?

Suggested Response

  • The Government of Canada has adapted the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to respond to the impacts of COVID-19. The new COVID-19 Resilience stream was created in 2020 to add flexibilities, expand eligibility, and accelerate project approvals.
  • In 2021, an initial $120 million was added to the COVID-19 Resilience stream to improve ventilation in public and community buildings. Now, an additional $70 million will be added to help further the impact of these investments.
  • In total, over 600 ventilation improvement projects with a federal contribution of over $800 million have been approved under the COVID-19 Resilience stream to date.

Background

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is a 10 year allocation-based program. Provinces and territories (P/Ts), in consultation with municipalities and Indigenous communities, are responsible for identifying, prioritizing and submitting projects, and flowing funds to eligible ultimate recipients.
  • Managed through Integrated Bilateral Agreements (IBAs), the ICIP was originally divided into four funding streams: Public Transit ($20.1 billion); Green Infrastructure ($9.2 billion); Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure ($1.3 billion); and Rural and Northern Infrastructure ($2 billion + $400 million for the Arctic Energy Fund).
  • With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new COVID-19 Resilience stream was created to help communities respond to the immediate pressures and concerns resulting from the pandemic, as well as build resiliency for the future. The creation of this new funding stream allowed P/Ts to transfer up to 10% of their initial allocations under the ICIP (over $3 billion in existing funding) to fund quick-start, short-term projects that might not otherwise be eligible under the existing funding streams.
  • The Fall Economic Statement 2020 announced a commitment to provide $150 million over three years, starting in 2020-21, to improve ventilation in public buildings and help reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19. The ICIP's COVID-19 Resilience stream was allocated $120 million from this commitment, and another $70 million through the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021 to further support ventilation projects in public and community buildings.
  • Investments under the COVID-19 Resilience stream support projects within five project categories:
    • Retrofits, repairs and upgrades for municipal, territorial, provincial and Indigenous buildings, health infrastructure and schools;
    • COVID-19 response infrastructure, including measures to support physical distancing;
    • Active transportation infrastructure, including parks, trails, foot bridges, bike lanes and multi-use paths;
    • Disaster mitigation and adaptation projects, including natural infrastructure, flood and fire mitigation, and tree planting and related infrastructure; and
    • Ventilation improvement projects.

Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

Issue / Question

What is the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) and how is it providing support to communities during the pandemic?

Suggested Response

  • The $31 million Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) is supporting small-scale infrastructure projects with a big impact as local governments, Indigenous communities and their non-profit partners rethink public spaces and adapt to the impacts of COVID-19.
  • Thousands of applications were received over the course of two application intakes. Successful applicants began receiving funds in April 2021 and are now implementing their projects.
  • The 2021 Fall Economic Statement committed an additional $30 million over three years starting in 2022-23 to the CHCI to continue to help communities mitigate and respond to current and future health risks as COVID-19 continues to have an unprecedented impact on our country.

Background

  • Launched on August 13, 2020, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) originally provided up to $31 million in existing federal funding to support communities as they deploy new ways to adapt spaces and services to respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years.
  • Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) was selected by Infrastructure Canada through an open and competitive call for applications to work directly with communities to identify and fund local projects and solutions to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
  • The original $31 million in funding over two years was provided to CFC to identify and fund local community projects that can be put into place quickly to improve the lives of Canadians. CFC launched their application portal on February 9, 2021, with the first intake having closed on March 9, 2021. A second application intake opened on May 14, 2021 and closed on June 25, 2021. The first funding announcement occurred on March 24, 2021. Funded projects from the first application intake can be viewed on an interactive map. Information on projects selected under the second round will be added to the site once available.
  • The Program was significantly oversubscribed with thousands of applications received through both project intake rounds (Round 1 results).
  • The Initiative is supporting projects in communities under three main themes:
    • Creating safe and vibrant public spaces
      • Projects that create or adapt existing public places such as parks, main streets, and indoor spaces that encourage safe cultural or physical activities, and local commerce.
    • Improving mobility options
      • Projects that permit physical distancing through permanent or temporary changes that make it easier for people to get around in their communities, whether walking, biking, accessing public and private transit, or other modes of transportation.
    • Digital solutions
      • Innovative digital projects that address changing community needs through the use of data and connected technologies.
  • As announced in the 2021 Fall Economic Statement, an additional $30 million over three years was committed to the CHCI starting in 2022-23. 

Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund

Issue / Question

Whether the Government will renew funding for the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) in Budget 2022

Suggested Response

  • Since 2018, the Government of Canada has committed almost $3.4 billion through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to help communities remain resilient in the face of natural disasters triggered by climate change.
  • To date, we have announced over $1.9 billion in funding for 69 projects across the country to mitigate threats of natural disasters such as floods, wildfires and drought.
  • In July 2021, we launched a new intake for small-and-large-scale projects, including a guaranteed $138 million for Indigenous-led initiatives.
  • Applications received as part of this process are currently being assessed against eligibility and merit criteria.

If Pressed:

Timing of Announcements for Latest Intake
  • Projects are currently being assessed against eligibility and merit criteria and selected projects will be announced in the coming months.
Government Investments Post-Budget 2021
  • The Government of Canada is committed to protecting communities across the country from the threats of climate change.

Background

  • The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is a direct-delivery, competitive program intended to support public infrastructure projects designed to mitigate current and future climate-related risks and disasters triggered by natural hazards, such as floods, wildland fires, drought, erosion, severe storms and permafrost thaw.
  • Investments in public infrastructure projects through DMAF are also expected to reduce the pressure on Public Safety Canada's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA).
  • DMAF was first launched 2018, with a funding commitment of $2 billion over 10 years. In Budget 2021, an additional $1.375 billion over 12 years was announced, including a minimum of $138 million allocated to Indigenous recipients.
  • Originally, DMAF supported large-scale projects only (i.e. minimum of $20 million in total eligible costs). The 2021 program renewal allowed for the introduction of a small-scale stream (i.e. between $1 million and $20 million in total eligible costs).
  • A new intake process was launched on July 20, 2021, with closing dates of October 15, 2021, for large-scale project applications; and November 15, 2021, for small-scale project applications.
  • Assessments against the program's eligibility and merit criteria are ongoing for all projects submitted, including those originating from last fall's flooding locations on a priority-basis.
  • Additional details on eligible recipients and expenses as well as merit criteria can be found here: Infrastructure Canada - Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund: Program details.

COVID-19 Resilience Stream

Issue / Question

The new time-limited COVID-19 Resilience stream was introduced to address pandemic challenges across Canada and includes additional funding to support ventilation improvements in public buildings.

Suggested Response

  • The health and well-being of Canadians remains the Government of Canada's top priority as COVID-19 continues to have an unprecedented impact on people and economies across the country.
  • The Government of Canada has adapted the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to respond to the impacts of COVID-19. Recently, $120 million in new funding was added for better ventilation in public buildings to help reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19. Now, an additional $70 million will be added to help further the impact of these investments.
  • To date, 2027 projects have been approved under the COVID-19 Resilience stream, representing a federal investment of $1.8 billion.

Background

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is a 10 year allocation-based program. Provinces and territories (P/Ts), in consultation with municipalities and Indigenous communities, are responsible for identifying, prioritizing and submitting projects, and flowing funds to eligible ultimate recipients.
  • Managed through Integrated Bilateral Agreements (IBAs), the ICIP was originally divided into four funding streams: Public Transit ($20.1 billion); Green Infrastructure ($9.2 billion); Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure ($1.3 billion); and Rural and Northern Infrastructure ($2 billion + $400 million for the Arctic Energy Fund).
  • With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new COVID-19 Resilience stream was created to help communities respond to the immediate pressures and concerns resulting from the pandemic, as well as build resiliency for the future. The creation of this new funding stream allowed P/Ts to transfer up to 10% of their initial allocations under the ICIP (over $3 billion in existing funding) to fund quick-start, short-term projects that might not otherwise be eligible under the existing funding streams.
  • The Fall Economic Statement 2020 announced a commitment to provide $150 million over three years, starting in 2020-21, to improve ventilation in public buildings and help reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19. The ICIP's COVID-19 Resilience stream was allocated $120 million from this commitment, and another $70 million through the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021 to further support ventilation projects in public and community buildings.
  • Investments under the COVID-19 Resilience stream support projects within five project categories:
    • Retrofits, repairs and upgrades for municipal, territorial, provincial and Indigenous buildings, health infrastructure and schools;
    • COVID-19 response infrastructure, including measures to support physical distancing;
    • Active transportation infrastructure, including parks, trails, foot bridges, bike lanes and multi-use paths;
    • Disaster mitigation and adaptation projects, including natural infrastructure, flood and fire mitigation, and tree planting and related infrastructure; and
    • Ventilation improvement projects.

Smart Cities Challenge

Issue / Question

The Smart Cities Challenge encourages communities of all sizes, including First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities, to adopt a smart cities approach to improve the lives of their residents through innovation, data and connected technology.

Suggested Response

  • The Government of Canada launched the first round of the Smart Cities Challenge in the fall of 2017. The Challenge empowers communities to adopt a smart cities approach to improve the lives of their residents through innovation, data and connected technology.
  • Municipalities, local and regional governments, and Indigenous communities were invited to participate. The total amount of the four prizes is a combined $75 million.
  • In June 2018, 20 finalists were announced. Four winners were announced in May 2019, and their projects are currently being implemented.
  • Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the second round of the Challenge was postponed. Infrastructure Canada is currently working on implementing the Minister's mandate letter commitment by accelerating the design and delivery.

Background

  • The first round of the Challenge was launched in November 2017.
  • An inclusive prize structure was designed: one $50 million prize for communities of all sizes, two $10 million prizes for communities with populations under 500,000, and one $5 million prize for communities with populations under 30,000 people.
  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC) received 130 applications, representing 225 communities from small towns to large cities in every province and territory. A total of 20 applications were received from Indigenous communities, either individually or as part of joint submissions.
  • Twenty finalists were announced in June 2018. Each finalist received a $250,000 grant to support the development of their final proposal.
  • Four winning communities were announced on May 14, 2019 and projects are being implemented:
    • Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia ($5 million prize): The project focuses on an Energy Poverty Reduction Program that uses data and connected technology to restore control to residents over their energy costs and infrastructure.
    • City of Guelph and Wellington County, Ontario ($10 million prize): The project focuses on becoming Canada's first circular food economy by creating new circular business opportunities, transforming food waste into a resource, and increasing access to affordable, nutritious food.
    • Nunavut Communities, Nunavut ($10 million prize): The project focuses on strengthening resilience and improving mental health among young Nunavummiut through technology-enabled Makerspaces in various communities across Nunavut.
    • City of Montréal, Quebec ($50 million prize): The project focuses on taking action to address systemic issues of urban life – enabled by technology – to improve mobility and access to food so that all residents may enjoy a pleasant quality of life where their basic needs are met.
  • A contribution agreement is also in place between INFC and Evergreen who is working with OpenNorth and other partners to provide valuable information, learning opportunities, advisory and capacity building services to Canadian communities. Key areas of focus include smart technologies, data ownership, data management, privacy and security.
  • Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on communities' ability to dedicate resources to participate in a competition, a second round of the Challenge was postponed. Planning is underway to launch the next iteration of the Challenge as per the 2021 Minister of Infrastructure and Communities mandate letter.

Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly the Gas Tax Fund)

Issue / Question

How does the Canada Community-Building Fund support infrastructure projects across Canada?

Suggested Response

  • The Canada Community-Building Fund provides $2.3 billion per year of predictable, long-term funding that helps communities build and revitalize their public infrastructure.
  • The program reaches over 3,600 communities across the country, and supports approximately 4,000 projects a year in 19 flexible categories.
  • The most commonly funded categories of projects are for highways and roads, public transit, and wastewater treatment.
  • To help communities address the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, payments to provinces and territories were doubled in 2019 and in 2021, with $4.4 billion provided in each of those years.

Background

  • The Gas Tax Fund was re-named the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) with the adoption of the 2021 Budget Implementation Act on June 29, 2021.
  • The Fund was established in 2005 and originally designed to provide municipalities with $5 billion in predictable funding over five years. The program was extended and legislated as a permanent source of federal infrastructure funding for municipalities in 2014.
  • The renewed Fund is indexed at 2% per year, to be applied in $100 million increments. From 2014 to 2024, the program will provide municipalities with close to $23 billion in infrastructure funding.
  • Two additional top-up payments were allocated in 2019 and 2021, doubling the funds provided to $4.4 billion in those two years.
  • Eligible categories of investment are broad and include public transit, local roads and bridges, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, community energy systems, culture, recreation, disaster mitigation, fire halls and capacity building.

Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream

Issue / Question

How does Infrastructure Canada support investment in rural and northern communities?

Suggested Response

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is providing $2.4 billion to address the particular needs of Canada's rural and remote communities under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream, including $400 million through the Arctic Energy Fund.
  • To date, 545 projects, such as broadband Internet connectivity, roads, and facilities to improve food and energy security, have been approved under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream, representing a federal investment of over $1.3 billion.
  • These investments will support local economies in rural Canada, and help these communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

  • The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is a 10 year allocation-based program. Provinces and territories (P/Ts), in consultation with municipalities and Indigenous communities, are responsible for identifying, prioritizing and submitting projects, and flowing funds to eligible ultimate recipients.
  • Managed through Integrated Bilateral Agreements (IBAs), the ICIP was originally divided into four funding streams: Public Transit ($20.1 billion); Green Infrastructure ($9.2 billion); Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure ($1.3 billion); and Rural and Northern Infrastructure ($2 billion + $400 million for the Arctic Energy Fund).
  • With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new COVID-19 Resilience stream was created to help communities respond to the immediate pressures and concerns resulting from the pandemic, as well as build resiliency for the future. The creation of this new funding stream allowed P/Ts to transfer up to 10% of their initial allocations under the ICIP (over $3 billion in existing funding) to fund quick-start, short-term projects that might not otherwise be eligible under the existing funding streams.
  • The Fall Economic Statement 2020 announced a commitment to provide $150 million over three years, starting in 2020-21, to improve ventilation in public buildings and help reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19. The ICIP's COVID-19 Resilience stream was allocated $120 million from this commitment, and another $70 million through the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021 to further support ventilation projects in public and community buildings.
  • Under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream, eligible projects must also align to one of the following immediate outcomes:
    • Improved food security
    • Improved and/or more reliable road, air and/or marine infrastructure
    • Improved broadband connectivity
    • More efficient and/or reliable energy
    • Improved education and/or health facilities (specific to Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action)

National Infrastructure Assessment

Issue / Question

The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities has been mandated to launch Canada's first National Infrastructure Assessment to help identify needs and priorities in the built environment and support long-term planning toward a net-zero emissions future.

Suggested Response

  • The National Infrastructure Assessment will provide an evidence-based and expert-driven assessment of Canada's infrastructure needs over the coming decades to tackle climate change, support our quality of life, and enable our economy to flourish.
  • The Assessment will enable better infrastructure planning and help all orders of government as well as the private sector make more-informed decisions.
  • In response to a call for input in 2021, more than 300 organizations and individuals provided written submissions on how to design the initiative – the Government is currently considering this advice in establishing the advisory body to lead the work.

Background

  • First announced as part of Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan and funded in Budget 2021, Canada's first ever National Infrastructure Assessment is expected to be completed in 2024-2025 following the development of substantive evidence and extensive engagement with experts and stakeholders.
  • Budget 2021 provided $22.6 million over four years to undertake the initiative.
  • Initial public engagement was completed in summer 2021 on the idea of undertaking the National Infrastructure Assessment and options for its design and mandate.
  • Written submissions were received from over 300 organizations and individuals from across the country, demonstrating significant support for the initiative and a strong interest in establishing the initiative as an evidence-based, open and transparent process with a broad remit to assess Canada's future infrastructure needs and priorities.
  • A high-level report on the advice received was published in July 2021, and is available on the Infrastructure Canada website.
  • With the benefit of having received these views, suggestions, and recommendations, the Government is currently considering next steps for the National Infrastructure Assessment, including the body to lead the work, its mandate and scope of the work involved.

Zero Emission Transit Fund

Issue / Question

How will the Zero Emission Transit Fund benefit Canadians and contribute to cleaner and more sustainable transit options?

Suggested Response

  • The Government has committed $2.75 billion over 5 years towards the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) to help procure 5,000 zero emission public transit and school buses. As of January 27, 2022, the fund is accepting applications under the Planning and Capital streams from eligible applicants on a rolling basis.
  • Helping communities invest in zero emission transit and school transportation options ensures cleaner air for our children, creates jobs, and supports Canadian manufacturing.
  • Shifting vehicles away from fossil fuel engines, towards zero emission alternatives, presents an opportunity for significant greenhouse gas emission reductions.
  • As part of the Canada Infrastructure Bank's three-year, $10 billion Growth Plan, the government has announced that $1.5 billion of the available funding will be used to accelerate the adoption of zero emission buses so Canadians can have cleaner commutes under the Bank's Zero Emission Bus Initiative (ZEBI).

Background

  • On February 10, 2021, the government announced $14.9 billion for public transit projects over eight years. This funding opportunity will support the deployment of zero emission transit and school buses and related infrastructure, which is part of the Minister's mandate commitments. Investments in zero emission buses will be closely coordinated with those of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). Tackling climate change and reaching net-zero by 2050 requires strong action by all orders of government and that is what the Government of Canada will continue working on with its partners to deliver.
  • The $2.75 billion Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) will advance the Government of Canada's commitment to help procure 5,000 zero emission public transit and school buses, in close partnership with the CIB.
  • The ZETF targets investments across Canada that support clean transportation by investing in the vehicles, infrastructure and organizational readiness that make fleet electrification possible. This funding will help communities to electrify their school and transit bus fleets, while reducing emissions and operational costs over the long-term.
  • Since August 10, 2021, Expressions of Interest are accepted under ZETF. On January 27, 2022, the second stage of the application process was opened, allowing eligible recipients to make applications under the Planning and Capital streams. Eligible applicants can seek funding to help cover planning and capital costs related to shifting public transit systems to zero emission, including the purchase of buses and related infrastructure. This Fund is closely coordinated with the CIB's commitment to invest $1.5 billion in zero emission buses as part of its three-year Growth Plan.
  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC) and the CIB will make funding and financing decisions independently in the context of their own authorities. Financing available from the CIB is additional to any contributions available from INFC under the ZETF.
  • Eligible recipients under the ZETF include provinces and territories; municipal or regional governments; transit agencies; public bodies (e.g., school boards); private-sector school bus operators; and private accessible transit transportation providers (e.g., paratransit services).
  • Eligible planning projects include studies, modelling and feasibility analysis that will support the development of larger scale capital Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) projects. Eligible capital projects support ZEB deployments and include the procurement of buses, charging and refueling infrastructure, and other ancillary infrastructure needs. ZEBs are vehicles that have the potential to produce no tailpipe emissions such as battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles.
  • Between August 10 and September 10, 2021, INFC launched a Call for Applications for Planning Support with the objective of identifying one or more organizations (e.g., not-for-profit organization, academic institution, or a consortium) capable of providing planning services on fleet electrification to transit bus operators across Canada. Results of this application process are expected to be announced shortly.
  • These funding opportunities are key to the Government's commitment to ambitious climate action that keeps our environment and our economy healthy. In Canada, the transportation sector, which includes passenger cars and buses, accounts for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. Good transit is key to any plan to keep air clean and build strong communities. Tackling climate change and reaching net-zero by 2050 requires strong action by all orders of government and that is exactly what the Government of Canada will continue working with partners to deliver.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (Mandate and Progress)

Issue / Question

How is the Canada Infrastructure Bank delivering value for Canadians?

Suggested Response

  • The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is working with all orders of government to deliver more infrastructure for Canadians by crowding in private capital to infrastructure projects and using innovative financing tools to reduce the overall burden on taxpayers.
  • The CIB is helping to grow Canada's economy and reach our net-zero goals by investing in projects like zero-emission buses, energy efficient building retrofits and clean power transmission, generation and storage with public, private and Indigenous partners.
  • The CIB is supporting the advancement of key projects like High Frequency Rail and helping to find innovative ways to transition Atlantic Canada off coal through clean power transmission.

Background

  • The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is expected to work with governments across Canada to attract investment from private and institutional investors, like pension funds, in revenue-generating infrastructure projects that are in the public interest, such as those that support economic growth or transition to net-zero emissions.
  • The CIB was created as part of the Investing in Canada Plan in June 2017, and following an announcement in the 2016 Fall Economic Statement that the Government would establish an arm's length organization to work with provincial, territorial, municipal, Indigenous, and private sector investment partners to transform the way infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in Canada.
  • As part of the Plan, the CIB is mandated to invest $35 billion over 11 years. Of this funding envelope, $15 billion is to be used to catalyze innovative approaches to infrastructure funding. The CIB uses financial instruments including loans, equity, and, where appropriate, loan guarantees to deliver federal support to projects in the public interest to make them commercially viable and crowd-in private investment.
  • The CIB is in the second year of a three year $10 billion Growth Plan launched in 2020 to invest in strategic initiatives such as zero-emission buses, energy efficiency building retrofits, agricultural irrigation, broadband, and clean energy transmission, renewables and storage.
  • To advance the Government's commitment to close the Indigenous infrastructure gap and support the prosperity of Indigenous communities, the Government has set a target for the CIB to invest at least $1 billion in total across its five priority sectors for revenue-generating projects that benefit Indigenous Peoples. The CIB has developed and implemented its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII), which provides low-cost and long-term debt for Indigenous community-based projects.
  • As of February 21, 2022:
    • CIB is participating in about 33 projects located from coast to coast to coast, in the North, in small communities and large urban areas;
    • CIB's approved investments of about $6.8 billion have attracted approximately $7.2 billion in private and institutional capital; and
    • CIB's approved investments are in projects with a total capital cost of an estimated $19.4 billion.
  • Below is a list of some of the investments the CIB has already made by priority sector:
    • Transit
      • Réseau express métropolitain (REM) – $1.28 billion investment by CIB
      • Ottawa Zero-Emission Buses – $400 million commitment by CIB
      • Brampton Zero-Emission Buses – $400 million commitment by CIB
      • Edmonton Zero-Emission Buses – $14.4 million investment by CIB
      • BC Zero-Emission School Buses – $30 million investment by CIB
      • Autobus Seguin – $15 million investment by CIB
      • Quebec Zero-Emission School Buses – up to $400 million commitment by CIB.
    • Broadband
      • Manitoba Fibre – $164 million investment by CIB
      • Ontario Rural Broadband – $1.3 billion commitment by CIB
    • Clean Power
      • Oneida Energy Storage – $170 million commitment by CIB
      • Enwave District Energy – $600 million investment by CIB
    • Trade and Transportation
      • Alberta Irrigation – $466 million investment by CIB
    • Green Infrastructure
      • Algoma Steel Retrofit – $220 million investment by CIB
      • SOFIAC – $100 million investment by CIB
      • DREAM – up to $136 million commitment by CIB
    • Indigenous Infrastructure
      • Tshiuetin Railway – $50 million investment by CIB

Canada Infrastructure Bank (Projects and Investments)

Issue / Question

Progress of the Canada Infrastructure Bank's projects and investments.

Suggested Response

  • The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has made significant progress in advancing its goal to crowd-in private and institutional investment in projects and use innovative financing tools to get more infrastructure built for Canadians.
  • The CIB has advanced 33 projects and committed over $6.8 billion in CIB capital and attracted over $7.2 billion in private and institutional investment.
  • The CIB is making a difference with projects like Oneida Energy Storage with Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario; rural broadband in Manitoba; zero-emission buses across the country; and energy retrofits with SOFIAC in Quebec which connect Canadians, create good jobs and help reach our climate goals.

Background

  • The CIB has announced a total of 33 projects in its five priority sectors located across Canada (as of December 2021):
    • Public Transit: 9 projects
    • Clean Power: 7 projects
    • Green Infrastructure: 5 projects
    • Broadband: 3 projects
    • Trade and Transportation: 10 projects

    • Note: one project counts as both Clean Power and Broadband

  • Building upon the CIB's “2021 Growth Plan,” over $19.4 billion in total project capital cost has been announced (as of December 2021).
    • $6.8 billion in approved CIB investments  
    • $7.2 billion from Private & Institutional Investors 
    • $5.4 billion from other Public Partners 
  • The CIB's website includes a list of the projects they are currently investing in, with explanations on how the projects are helping Canadians.

ERRATUM

In the Canada Infrastructure Bank Operations note, an error was corrected regarding the amount of planned operating expenses for fiscal year 2021-22 to ensure consistency with the figure in the CIB's 2020-21 Summary Corporate Plan:

"In 2021-22, CIB is planning for operating expenses of $52.6 million." should read "In 2021-22, CIB is planning for operating expenses of $45.4 million."

This error has been corrected in the HTML version.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (Operations)

Issue / Question

What are the operating costs of the Canada Infrastructure Bank?

Suggested Response

  • The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) operates at arm's length from Infrastructure Canada and the federal government, and works with all levels of government, Indigenous and private sector partners to attract private investment to get more infrastructure built for Canadians.
  • Similar to other Crown corporations, the CIB incurs operating expenses in carrying out its mandate, which totaled $28.3 million in 2020-21.
  • As an arm's length entity, the CIB's Board of Directors is responsible for the organization's day-to-day operations and ensuring the appropriateness of these expenditures, including compensation. 

On the CIB's Compensation Framework:

  • The CIB seeks to attract talent with commercial experience and professional skills from the investment and finance industries to develop and execute complex financial structures for infrastructure projects.
  • Its compensation framework reflects best practices of Crown corporations and comparable organizations in the private sector.
  • The CIB's Annual Report, tabled before Parliament, includes information about its compensation policies and expenditures, including performance pay.
  • The Government and the CIB abide by the Privacy Act and Access to Information Act provisions concerning employee compensation. Any information concerning individuals and their compensation is personal information and therefore protected.

Background

CIB Operations

  • The operating expenses of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) were $28.3 million for 2020-21, compared to $21.7 million for 2019-20. As of December 31, 2021, the CIB had incurred $27.9 million in operating expenses in 2021-22.
  • These costs do not include the CIB's contribution to the Joint Project Office (JPO) that supports the VIA high frequency rail project, which was $25 million for 2020-21, compared to $2.9 million for 2019-20.
  • The majority of operating expenses in 2020-21 related to compensation (62%) and professional fees (27%) for external technical, consulting and legal guidance related to due diligence activities.
  • As of March 31, 2021, CIB had 74 full time employees and as at December 31, 2021, full time employees increased to 81.
  • The CIB provides quarterly financial information on its website.
  • CIB earned revenue on its investments of $21.7 million for 2020-21, compared to $14.2 million for 2019-20. These revenues help offset the cost of the CIB's operating expenses.
  • Since its inception, the CIB's actual appropriations for operating expenses have come in well below planned levels.
  • In 2021-22, CIB is planning for operating expenses of $45.4 million.

CIB Compensation

  • As an arm's length entity, its Board of Directors is responsible for governance and oversight of strategic direction and forward planning, investment decisions and business operations, in alignment with Government of Canada priorities.
  • The CIB's comprehensive human resources strategy and policy framework enables the recruitment and retention of the right mix of skill sets and technical expertise to deliver on its mandate, while ensuring its hiring and compensation practices are competitive, fair and appropriate.
  • Its compensation framework, including the governance, compensation philosophy, structure and competitive positioning, is disclosed via the Annual Report in compliance with requirements for Crown corporations under the Financial Administration Act and applicable Treasury Board policies. Compensation expenses for each fiscal year are also reported in the CIB's annual audited financial statements.
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) compensation, which includes ranges for short- and long-term performance incentive awards, is recommended by the Board of Directors based on market comparables and position requirements.
  • All Crown corporation CEOs are subject to the annual performance review process for Governor-in-Council appointees; performance rating recommendations are provided by the Board of Directors to the designated minister.
  • The Board oversees the compensation of professional staff where the investment and finance functions are remunerated closer to the market for infrastructure investors, including large institutional investors and pension funds that require high degree of expertise and skills.
  • The Chairperson and other directors are provided an annual retainer and are therefore not entitled to receive performance incentives.

Public Private Partnerships

Issue / Question

How private sector can help advance Canada's infrastructure policy objectives.

Suggested Response

  • P3s are performance-based contracts where private partners collect a revenue stream through user fees or government payments and are paid to not only develop major public infrastructure, but often to operate and maintain it.
  • Under the P3 model, the public sector retains ownership of the asset while benefiting from the experience, expertise and investment of the private sector. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is building on this model by exploring new and innovative partnerships.
  • Successful P3s have shown that private investors bring innovation in the planning and design of a project and discipline in budgeting, scheduling and delivery of an asset. These private sector investors can also take on risks relating to infrastructure usage or revenue.

Background

  • There are a variety of different P3 models that exist. Under a full lifecycle P3 model, the private sector is engaged to design, build, finance, operate and maintain an infrastructure project based on well-defined performance criteria over a fixed term. The public sector retains ownership of the asset.
  • P3s are not for every project. They are one of many tools in the public sector's tool box for delivering and managing major infrastructure projects. P3s work best for large, complex projects that appropriately transfer project risks to the private sector in a manner that delivers positive Value for Money.
  • A Value for Money analysis is a comparison of the present value of the estimated total cost of delivering a public infrastructure project using a traditional delivery model compared to the cost of delivering the project using a P3 delivery model. Using past projects as benchmarks, this analysis requires a detailed assessment of the various risks linked to the asset and identifies who is best placed to manage these risks – the public or private sector.
  • The P3 model was an important building block in the formation of the CIB. The Bank is taking elements of the P3 model further by using revenue and user charges to fund the asset, in whole or in part, and transfer more revenue, usage and ownership risks to the private sector. This allows for equity to be shared with the private sector for a risk-adjusted rate of return.

Waterfront Toronto

Issue / Question

Since 2000, the federal government has partnered with Ontario and Toronto to revitalize Toronto's waterfront, with two major projects underway: Port Lands Flood Protection and the Quayside development.

Suggested Response

  • In keeping with our government's priorities, we have contributed close to $1 billion towards the revitalization of Toronto's waterfront and those funds have supported enabling infrastructure, transit upgrades and the creation of new public spaces with significant social, environmental and economic benefits.
  • The Port Lands Flood Protection project, one of the largest civil works projects underway in North America, is creating flood protected lands and green space for the community and unlocking more land for future development.
  • The governments of Canada, Ontario and Toronto are working together with Waterfront Toronto to develop the infrastructure that communities need now and in the future.
  • This will enable the creation of new waterfront communities such as Quayside, a post-industrial site set to be transformed into a dynamic, inclusive and resilient neighbourhood that will feature inclusive housing opportunities and a high standard of sustainable urban design.

Background

  • In 1999, the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario and Government of Canada jointly committed $1.5 billion ($500 million each) in seed funding for the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative, a plan to revitalize publicly-owned lands along Toronto's central waterfront in support of a planned Olympic bid.
  • Waterfront Toronto was created in 2001 to lead and implement the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative, whose geographical boundaries amount to the transformation of 800 hectares of underutilized brownfield lands.
  • The organization was jointly established and continues to be jointly governed by the three levels of government, who have directed two large shared investments to Waterfront Toronto in support of its mandate, including the aforementioned seed funding and $1.25 billion ($416.6 million each) for the ongoing Port Lands Flood Protection Project.
  • Waterfront Toronto's Quayside Development Opportunity proposes to build an inclusive, next-generation sustainable neighbourhood on the Waterfront. The project involves a 12 acre site east of downtown Toronto that presently comprises a mix of land owned by Waterfront Toronto, the City and private land owners. No federal funds have been committed to the project to date. Waterfront Toronto, using an open Request for Qualifications/Proposals process, expects to procure development partners for the project by early 2022.
  • A complementary project to Quayside is Waterfront Toronto's vision for Parliament Slip, a three acre inlet bordering Quayside which Waterfront proposes to transform from a shipping berth into an aquatic park.
  • The organization is not structurally set up to be financially self-sufficient and its government funding will be exhausted in 2024 after the completion of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project.
  • Waterfront Toronto's initial 25-year mandate is set to expire in May 2028. [redacted]

Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor Project 

Issue / Question

What is the status of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor Project and the integration of the Réseau express métropolitain?

Suggested Response

  • The Government of Canada has made significant investments in the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor and work is progressing to soon complete the signature federal infrastructure project in Montréal.
  • The Réseau express métropolitain light rail corridor crossing the Samuel De Champlain Bridge is entering the final stages of construction and will provide new public transit options for the region by connecting the South Shore to downtown Montréal.
  • The deconstruction of the old Champlain Bridge is also underway using innovative techniques that aim to protect the environment and allow for the reuse of bridge components. The project is on pace to be completed in 2024.

Background

  • The Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor includes the 3.4 km Samuel De Champlain Bridge crossing the St. Lawrence, 500 m Île-des-Sœurs Bridge, reconstruction and widening of the federal portion of Highway 15 over 3 km, and realignment of over 1 km of Highway 10.
  • The project is being delivered as part of a public-private partnership (P3) between the Government of Canada and Signature on the Saint-Laurent Group (SSLG). The P3 includes the design, construction, financing, operation, maintenance and rehabilitation of the Project over a 34-year period (2015-2049) at a cost of $4.212 billion.
  • The Project Agreement is managed through an integrated project team with Infrastructure Canada as the project lead, Public Works and Procurement Canada as the contracting lead, and Justice Canada providing legal support.
  • The Samuel De Champlain Bridge includes six lanes for vehicle traffic, a multi-purpose path supporting active transportation, and a central corridor dedicated exclusively to public transit, in which the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail transit system is being built. The segment of the REM between the South Shore to downtown Montréal that crosses the Samuel De Champlain Bridge is expected to be operational in 2022.
  • REM works are entering in their final stages of construction with the ongoing installation of key components such as rail tracks and catenary posts to support the electrical lines.
  • The project to deconstruct the original Champlain Bridge is managed by the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI). The overall estimated cost of the deconstruction project including the deconstruction work, environmental protection measures, material reuse programs, research and development and the end-of-project shoreline redevelopment component is approximately $400 million. This amount includes $225.7 million for the design-deconstruct contract signed by JCCBI and Nouvel Horizon St-Laurent G.P. Deconstruction work began in August 2020.

Gordie Howe International Bridge Project 

Issue / Question

What is the status of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project?

Suggested Response

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge Project is advancing and construction is well underway with bridge towers on both sides of the border now visible and standing at over 120 metres high.
  • Now in the fourth of its six-year construction phase, this signature infrastructure project in Windsor-Detroit has employed over 5,218 workers, including support for over 190 local businesses.
  • Canada is working hand-in-hand with the State of Michigan and US and Canadian partners to advance this multi-year mega project to deliver a new international crossing supporting long-term jobs, important supply chains and trade that drives economic growth.

Responsive

  • Construction has continued through the pandemic and project partners are working towards a scheduled completion of the bridge and new modern ports of entry by the end of 2024.

Background

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge Project will provide modern facilities and a direct highway-to-highway connection between Highway 401 in Ontario and Interstate 75 in Michigan, facilitating the flow of people and goods at the busiest Canada - U.S. border crossing.
  • The Bridge will be jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, and delivered by Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a non-agent Crown corporation, through a $5.7 billion, fixed-priced, public-private partnership with Bridging North America. Canada is funding the full amount with costs to be recouped from toll revenues.
  • The project is in its fourth year of a six-year construction period (2018-2024) and construction is well underway for all project components. Once completed the Bridge towers will stand at 220 metres/722 feet. Construction of the buildings on both Ports of Entry are advancing with foundation work and steel building frames underway. Work is also progressing on the Interstate 75 interchange in Michigan with ramp construction continuing and construction well advanced on three bridges over the I-75.
  • Construction activities are advancing in accordance with government health directives. Bridging North America has implemented comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures that include the guidance provided by public health professionals.
  • Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Potential schedule impacts due to COVID-19 are currently being assessed, but it will be several months before impacts are fully known including how the pandemic has affected supply chains for construction materials and related costs. While there are pressures to be managed, the project is on time and on budget, and solutions to potential delays are being explored with the private partner consortium.
  • The Project is providing significant benefits to local communities through its comprehensive Community Benefits Plan which includes a workforce development component with employment, training, educational opportunities, and an infrastructure component that will make aesthetic and functional improvements to local communities. The Community Benefits plan also includes opportunities to celebrate the region's history, including the history of the Black community.
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