Tab A: Opening Remarks

Speaking notes for Kelly Gillis Deputy Minister, Infrastructure and Communities
To the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

Ottawa, ON
April 18, 2023

Thank you for the invitation to speak with you today on Infrastructure Canada's Main Estimates 2023-24 and Supplementary Estimates C 2022-23.

As you know, Minister LeBlanc will be joining us for the second half of your meeting.

I am joined today by:

• Glenn Campbell, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Investment, Partnerships and Innovation
• Michelle Baron, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services Branch and Chief Financial Officer, and
• Erin Lynch, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Communities and Infrastructure Programs Branch.

Our 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates C sought a net increase of $7.7 million, of which $7.5 million is for the final P3 Canada Fund payment for the Tłı̨chǫ (TLEE-CHO) All-Season Road as it reached substantial completion, and small transfers to other organizations for support on information technology and bridge expertise.

Our 2023-24 Estimates seek $9.6 billion for infrastructure that helps build strong communities, fights climate change, and strengthens our economy, including through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Permanent Public Transit Program, and the Canada Community-Building Fund.

My colleagues and I will be pleased to answer any questions you have.

Thank you.

Speaking notes for the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
To the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

Ottawa, ON
April 18, 2023

Thank you for the invitation to speak with you today.

I look forward to any opportunity to discuss how Infrastructure Canada is delivering for Canadians.

I am joined today by Kelly Gillis, Deputy Minister, Infrastructure and Communities.

Infrastructure Canada continues to work with all orders of government, as well as Indigenous communities and other partners, to get public infrastructure built.

Together, we are helping to build major infrastructure projects, advance zero-emission transit options, and increase affordable housing in Canada.

From bridges to broadband, we are connecting Canadians across the country. We are helping to make buildings greener and sources of water cleaner. We are supporting a historic conversion of bus and school bus fleets to lower emissions and help propel us to net-zero emissions by 2050.

We are accessible community buildings. We are greener public transit. We are active transportation networks. We are addressing homelessness and supporting natural infrastructure.

Canadians rely on us every day, as we and our partners rely on each other to deliver to Canadians.

Together with our partners across the country, we are improving Canadians' quality of life.

That's why I'm pleased to be here to discuss how our investments are working for Canadians.

We recently presented the 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates C, which sought a net increase of $7.7 million to help us deliver an unprecedented level of programming for public transit, green, rural and northern infrastructure projects across the country.

Our 2023-24 Estimates seek $9.6 billion in funding to support the department's commitment to invest in infrastructure that helps build strong communities, fight climate change, and strengthen our economy.

The majority of the 2023-24 funding will support projects delivered through infrastructure programs such as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Permanent Public Transit Program, and the Canada Community-Building Fund.

The year ahead promises to be another productive one, with new programs ramping-up and legacy programs coming to a successful conclusion.

Budget 2023 confirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to furthering key infrastructure projects in Canada, and key support for what we are doing at Infrastructure Canada.

That's support for transformative investments that fight climate change, deliver cleaner energy, promote investment in our communities, and create good-paying jobs.

Together with our partners, we look forward to continuing to build clean and inclusive infrastructure, bolster natural disaster resilience, and make housing more affordable.

Infrastructure in Canada is evolving. Our department is playing a key role in building that greener, cleaner and more resilient future for all Canadians.

Infrastructure Canada's 2023-24 Main Estimates detail the necessary funding that will enable us to continue that work, and to get things done for communities across the country.

I look forward to further discussing our work and am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you. Merci.