Tab B: Briefing Notes

Transit
Climate
Homelessness
Other INFC Programs, Initiatives and Issues
Portfolio Governance
Financial Information

Transit

Support for Transit

Issue / Question

What is the government doing to support transit across the country?

Suggested Response

Federal transit funding supports public transit systems and active transportation networks, creates jobs, and makes communities more accessible and liveable to all.
Available transit funding of $23 billion from existing federal programs was bolstered through the Budget 2021 announcement of the Permanent Public Transit Program which provides $14.9 billion over eight years with $3 billion per year ongoing starting in 2026-2027.
Consultations with partners, stakeholders and the public were undertaken over the fall to inform the design of the programming to deliver the $3 billion per year in ongoing funding. A summary report of what was heard will be available spring 2023.
The transit investments we are making will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide health benefits, and better serve disadvantaged groups including women, seniors, youth and those with low incomes.

Background

The Permanent Public Transit Program (PPTP), launched in 2021, is a transfer payment program which was created to support the expansion of public transit systems and active transportation networks across Canada. All funds under the PPTP are managed through Grants and Contributions Agreements signed with eligible recipients.
In addition, new programming will come online by 2026-27 to support the long-term growth and maintenance of public transit through which $3 billion in annual transit funding will be made available on an on-going basis.
The PPTP includes three direct-application funds which aim to support communities, transit authorities and other groups provide essential services to Canadians in the public transit and active transportation sectors:
- The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF): The five year, $2.75 billion ZETF will advance the Government of Canada's commitment to help procure zero emission public transit and school buses across Canada. ZETF investments are closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank's commitment to invest in Zero-Emission Buses (ZEB) as part of its Growth Plan. ZETF has a two-step application process:
  - Stage I – submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI), which opened in August 2021 and is ongoing (with no closing date); and
  - Stage II – submission of a full application under the Planning and/or Capital streams, which opened in January 2022 and remains ongoing (no closing date).
- The Active Transportation Fund (ATF): The five year, $400 million ATF aims to expand and enhance active transportation networks in communities of all types and sizes, while also supporting Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy. It does so by supporting planning for and deployment of a wide range of walking, cycling, and other active mobility infrastructure.
  - ATF's first intake process took place between January 27, 2022 to March 31, 2022 for both the Planning and Capital streams. Submissions from Indigenous applicants continue to be accepted on a rolling basis.
  - The ATF generated a high level of interest from across Canada resulting in the Fund being significantly oversubscribed: the Planning and Design stream is fully allocated, and so is the Capital stream for non Indigenous projects.
- 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.
  - The Planning and Design stream projects were approved, and most of the Grant Agreements have been signed.
  - The first application intake for the Capital projects stream closed on April 27, 2022. Capital projects were approved, and negotiation of Contribution Agreements have started.
  - A rolling intake of the Capital stream launched on January 20, 2023. The intake will provide rural, remote, and Indigenous communities with an opportunity to seek funding under the RTSF for their transit solutions.
Funding is also available to support major projects and accelerate the expansion of large urban transit systems that many Canadians depend on every day.
To date, funding for four major transit projects has been approved through the PPTP, three of which are partially funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with more expected in the near term.

Permanent Public Transit Funding Engagement

Issue / Question

What is the status of the permanent public transit funding program?

Suggested Response

Permanent public transit funding will drive economic, environmental, and social benefits by providing Canadians with better, greener and more affordable access to jobs, services, and recreation, and support housing priorities, including greater housing density and affordability in proximity to transit.
We are working closely on the design of a permanent public transit funding program with provinces, municipalities and transit agencies, who are crucial funding partners, to ensure that we provide the predictable funding that is needed to build and maintain the transit that Canadians depend on.
Infrastructure Canada has undertaken a comprehensive Canada-wide engagement process that included over 75 meetings, 13 national and regional roundtables, and generated 70 written submissions and almost 400 completed questionnaires.
The Government is now reviewing this input as part of the development of a $3 billion permanent public transit funding program which will start in 2026.

Background

In February 2021, the Prime Minister announced permanent public transit funding of $3 billion per year, beginning in 2026-27.
The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities was mandated in December 2021 to work with provinces, territories, municipalities, local governments, Indigenous communities, transit agencies, policy experts and other stakeholders on the design of a permanent public transit funding program.
From July 29 to October 14, 2022, Infrastructure Canada undertook a comprehensive engagement process across the country to gather input on how to design this permanent program to drive better outcomes for Canadians.
Feedback was received from a broad range of stakeholders through over 75 meetings, 13 roundtables, 70 written submissions, and almost 400 questionnaire responses received through the public portal. This demonstrated significant interest in the design of the program as well as broad support for working together to help deliver on the federal vision of driving social, environmental, and economic outcomes, including increased housing affordability, through transit investments.
A What We Heard report capturing the feedback from partners and stakeholders and outlining high level principles to guide program design and implementation is being drafted for public release and will be available on the Infrastructure Canada website in Spring 2023.
The feedback received is being considered by the government in the development of a permanent public transit funding program and will inform the next phase of engagement, which will require detailed technical conversations with key funding and delivery partners such as provinces, territories, municipalities and transit agencies to further develop and refine the proposed approach.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $13 billion in more than 1,300 public transit projects across Canada, including subway and light rail lines, zero-emission buses, and active transportation trails.
Permanent public transit funding was announced in February 2021, and will provide $14.9 billion over eight years, including $3 billion per year ongoing starting in 2026-2027. This funding is designed to support sustainable mobility infrastructure such as public transit systems, active transportation networks, and other solutions in communities of all sizes across Canada. The funding includes $2.75 billion for the Zero Emission Transit Fund, $400 million for the Active Transportation Fund and $250 million for the Rural Transit Solutions Fund.

Ottawa Light Rail

Issue / Question

To address concerns relating to the Ottawa Light Rail Transit.

Suggested Response

The City of Ottawa sought and received funding support for the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (LRT) project from both the provincial and federal governments. The Government of Canada has committed $600 million for Stage 1, and $1.1 billion for Stage 2.
As with any infrastructure project, the proponent – in this case the City of Ottawa - has the responsibility to manage procurement, design, construction, implementation and ongoing maintenance.
The Government is closely reviewing the findings of the Ottawa LRT Public Inquiry, which raises areas of concern.
The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the Ottawa LRT and the steps being taken to address issues that have been raised, and to ensure that funding recipients abide by the terms and conditions of their contribution agreements.
We are also assessing how the Inquiry's recommendations should inform federal investments in major infrastructure projects going forward.

Background

Stage 1

In 2010, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $600 million under the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC) for Stage 1 of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project. The remainder of the funding was to be split evenly amongst the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa (the City). Canada and the City of Ottawa entered into a contribution agreement for the project on December 19, 2012.
The Government of Canada and the provincial government each have $60 million remaining in holdback until the City of Ottawa demonstrates completion of all federal reporting requirements for Phase 1.
[Redacted]
[Redacted]

Stage 2

In June 2017, the Prime Minister announced an investment of approximately $1.1 billion under the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial and Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects for Stage 2 of the Ottawa LRT Project.
Stage 2 construction is underway and will add approximately 40 km of rail and 23 new or converted stations, bringing 70% of the city's population within 5 km of rail. The existing LRT network is being extended East-West (Confederation Line extension) and South (Trillium Line extension).
Stage 2 saw the selection of new prime contractors and engineering firms from those selected in Stage 1.
There are currently [redacted] outstanding claims from the City of Ottawa [redacted]. INFC is reviewing the inquiry report and is assessing the implication of the findings before making a final decision on the payment of the claims to the City.

Public Inquiry

Since service began on September 14, 2019, several operability and service issues have arisen. Three Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigations were launched to investigate issues related to two derailments as well as cracked LRT vehicle wheels. The investigations are complete, with the city working to act on the TSB recommendations.
Third party rail experts are validating the maintenance contractor's procedures as a means of providing recommendations to mitigate the ongoing service issues.
The Province of Ontario sought a public inquiry into the LRT system and its governance, and the head of the Public Inquiry, Justice William Hourigan, released a public report on November 30, 2022.
[Redacted]
[Redacted]
[Redacted]
INFC is reviewing the report in detail to assess implications both for ongoing oversight of Ottawa LRT Stage 2, as well as in relation to future investments in major transit projects.

Federal Funding for the Gatineau Tramway Project

Issue / Question

Will the Government of Canada provide funding to the Gatineau tramway project in the National Capital region?

Suggested Response

A revised request for federal funding in support of the Gatineau Tramway Project planning activities was submitted to my department on March 27, 2023, and is under review.
The Government of Canada is in full support of the Gatineau Tramway and continues working with the Government of Quebec and the City of Gatineau to advance this important project, given its unique and interprovincial nature.
To support ambitious public transit projects in Canada, the Government is investing $28.7 billion over 12 years. This funding will make it possible for Canadian communities to transform the way people live, move and work.

Background

The proposed Gatineau tramway project is a rapid transit link from the west-end of Gatineau to downtown Ottawa, crossing the Ottawa River on the federally owned Portage Bridge. The proposed project responds to insufficient transit and road capacity on the Portage Bridge resulting from a growing population and desire to support Gatineau's climate change and mobility goals.
On August 13, 2021, the National Capital Commission (NCC) recommended a surface tramway alignment into Ottawa along Wellington Street over the alternative tunnel option. The NCC presented its recommendation based on factors including lower costs, potential to ensure security and improve the Parliamentary Precinct, as well as connection to a potential future interprovincial loop.
The NCC's August 13, 2021 news release included a quote from your predecessor stating that the Government of Canada is in full support of the Gatineau tramway and is pleased with the NCC's recommendation for a surface tramway design to link the west end of Gatineau to downtown Ottawa, allowing the federal government to continue working with the Government of Quebec and City of Gatineau to advance this important project.
The publicly available project cost estimates are approximately $3 billion for the surface option, while the tunnel option is estimated between $3.5 billion and $3.9 billion. The project is currently in planning stage.
The Government of Quebec has identified the Gatineau Tramway Project planning activities among its proposed projects to commit its residual funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Quebec is also aware that other federal funding sources exist, such as the $14.9 billion additional public transit funding announced by the Prime Minister in February 2021.
On March 27, 2023, the Government of Quebec submitted a revised request for federal funding in support of the project planning activities. The request is currently under review by Infrastructure Canada and discussions are underway with Quebec's Department of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

Major Transit Projects in Quebec

Issue / Question

Will the Government of Canada provide funding for major transit projects in Quebec, such as the Montréal Metro Blue line, the Quebec City Tramway or the Québec-Lévis Tunnel (also known as the "Third Link")?

Suggested Response

Infrastructure Canada works closely with the Government of Quebec to ensure that our various programs benefit Quebecers and transform the way they live, move and work.

Regarding Montréal's Blue line and Quebec's tramway:

The department is working with the Government of Quebec to revise both Canada's and Quebec's contribution levels for eligible costs to ensure projects are able to be implemented in a timely manner.

Regarding the Québec-Lévis Tunnel:

My department has not received a formal proposal to fund the Québec-Lévis Tunnel.

Background

In December 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Quebec Premier, François Legault, agreed that, in the context of high inflation over the past several months, an increased risk of cost escalations and significant changes to the scope of a number of infrastructure projects that will improve the lives of Quebecers, both governments will increase their funding for specific projects, including:
- The Québec City Tramway project has received a federal contribution of $1.107 billion in 2019 under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Since the approval, the project has undergone several major changes and cost increases. The Project is currently aiming for the construction of a 19.3 km tram line and other related public transit infrastructures. Estimated at $3.287 billion at the time of federal approval, total project costs are now estimated at $3.965 billion.
- The extension of the Montréal Metro Blue Line project is mainly aiming to add five stations between Saint-Michel and Anjou stations, for a total length of 5.8 km. A federal contribution of $1.306 billion under ICIP was allocated to the project in 2019. The total project costs were $4.46 billion at the time, and are now estimated at $6.4 billion following some cost increases and the addition of optimization measures.
Submissions for both revised projects were received in March 2023 by Infrastructure Canada (INFC), which is working closely with Quebec's ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable on proposed changes since their initial approval in 2019.
As for the Québec-Lévis tunnel project, no official proposal has been submitted to INFC as of March 30, 2023, although the Government of Quebec has publicly requested that the federal government invest up to 40% of the project costs, which are estimated at $6.5 billion.
The Québec-Lévis tunnel project, which proposes the construction of an 8.3 km long tunnel connecting downtown areas of Québec City and Lévis, is primarily highway infrastructure which, if submitted to INFC, would not be eligible under the ICIP or the Public Transit Program.

Climate

Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund

Issue / Question

Additional funding announced under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) as part of the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan and Canada's National Adaptation Strategy.

Suggested Response

Infrastructure Canada launched a new intake under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund on January 16, 2023, following the release of Canada's first National Adaptation Strategy. This makes more than $1 billion available for projects through this intake. Applications are being accepted until July 19, 2023.
Protecting communities across the country from the threats of natural disasters triggered by climate change is a key priority for the Government of Canada. More than $3.8 billion dollars in funding under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) has been made available to achieve this commitment.
To date, over $2.3 billion in DMAF funding for 83 projects has been invested to help communities remain resilient in the face of natural disasters, such as floods, wildfires and drought.

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 in 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.
To date, we have announced over $2.3 billion in funding for 83 projects across the country to mitigate threats of natural disasters such as floods, wildfires and drought.
In November 2022, as part of the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, the first Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy was released and included an additional $489.1 million investment in DMAF.
This additional funding, combined with the remaining program funding, makes more than $1 billion available for projects through DMAF's current application intake open from January 16, 2023 until July 19, 2023.
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.

Climate Lens

Issue / Question

Overview of Infrastructure Canada's Climate Lens, a tool to support the consideration of climate impacts into the design of infrastructure projects.

Suggested Response

In 2018, we introduced the Climate Lens, a key tool for raising awareness and assessing the climate impacts of infrastructure projects. It applies to all Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program projects above $10 million and the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and includes both greenhouse gas mitigation and climate resilience components.
In 2021, we made the Climate Lens more user-friendly, reducing the administrative burden while still encouraging improved upstream choices by project planners, designers, and decision-makers.
With the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, we took a more integrated approach to 'applying a climate lens', directly including minimum performance requirements for new buildings (net-zero / net-zero ready) and retrofits (minimum 10% energy efficiency improvement, targeting 25%).
Overall, approved GICB projects to-date have averaged energy savings of 40% corresponding to greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 56%.
We are committed to continuing to improve the Climate Lens for all future Infrastructure Canada programs.
The Climate Lens also supports Infrastructure Canada in measuring its contribution towards the Government's overarching climate goal of getting Canada to net-zero by 2050.

Background

On June 1, 2018, the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities announced that certain applicants seeking federal funding for new major public infrastructure projects were asked to undertake an assessment, the Climate Lens, to determine how their projects will contribute to or reduce greenhouse gases (GHG), and to consider climate change risks (e.g., severe weather, floods, sea-level rise, etc.), and risk mitigation measures in the location, design, and planned operation of a project.
The Climate Lens assessment is a requirement of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program integrated bilateral agreements which were signed between Infrastructure Canada (INFC) and the provinces and territories. It applies to projects with a total estimated cost of over $10 million, as well as any project that deals with climate change resilience or GHG mitigation regardless of cost. The Lens also applies to all projects under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
For projects submitted under the climate mitigation and adaptation sub-streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program's green infrastructure stream, the results from the Climate Lens are taken into consideration during the approvals process. The results of the assessment for all the other streams are intended to provide information about the climate impacts of infrastructure projects and to influence their planning, design, and operation to take climate considerations into account.
The Climate Lens underwent revisions in 2021 based on stakeholder feedback and lessons learned. The latest version, Climate Lens 2.0, is more user-friendly, reduces paper burden for projects with minimal climate impacts, while retaining the previous Climate Lens' robust best practices and client-centred guidance to proponents. Proponents need to provide an assessment of typical annual GHG emissions reductions and climate risks at time of application (deferrals and exemptions are no longer accepted, with the exception of Quebec where their bilateral agreement provides for the application of Quebec's approach, and their reporting requirements may differ from INFC Climate Lens requirements).
In the fall of 2021, the performance of the Climate Lens was audited by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) under the Audit Funding Climate-Ready Infrastructure. Although the Audit noted the revised Climate Lens, Version 2.0, was not as robust as the first version, it was overall supportive of the Climate Lens approach. Consistent with the Audit's recommendations, INFC is continuing to improve the Climate Lens by integrating climate considerations directly into project applications, enhancing its review of climate outcomes, and developing user-friendly guidance for applicants.
The Climate Lens has been developed in close collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as through engagement with provinces and territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, industry, and environmental stakeholders.

Climate Resilient Infrastructure

Issue / Question

Overview of Infrastructure Canada's climate resilient infrastructure initiatives.

Suggested Response

Since 2018, we have delivered the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), which remains a key federal program for resilient infrastructure.
As of March 15, 2023, DMAF had committed $2.3 billion for 83 built and natural infrastructure projects that directly help communities better prepare for and withstand climate impacts, prevent infrastructure failures, and protect Canadians. A new intake was launched on January 16, 2023 and is open until July 19, 2023.
Our investments in codes, standards, and guidance have enabled ground-breaking work to integrate climate resilience into infrastructure design, guides, and codes.
Key deliverables include 34 new or updated standards, 22 new guidance documents, updates to three major Canadian Codes, and world-leading, future-looking climate design data for over 660 locations across Canada.
An additional $59.5 million over five years was announced in November 2022 as part of the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan to develop new material and accelerate uptake.
We want to make it easier for our partners to incorporate resilience. We are investing $94.7 million over five years to develop new supports and services, including expertise and asset- and place-specific guidance to reduce climate-related infrastructure risks and make sure that what we're building today can withstand future climate challenges and contribute to long-term resilience.

Background

Infrastructure Canada (INFC) has the core mandate to deliver capital investment support and other targeted investments that enable other infrastructure decision-makers to accelerate progress towards climate-safe infrastructure and communities.
The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) ($3.86 billion committed until 2033) has positioned INFC as a major funder for the construction of new public infrastructure and/or modification of existing public infrastructure that prevents, mitigates, or protects against current and future climate-related risks and disasters.
As of November 2022, before a $489 million top-up (over 10 years) was announced through the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, DMAF had committed almost $2.86 billion of its available funding through to 2033.
A new project intake was launched on January 16, 2023, and is open until July 19, 2023, to provide communities with time to prepare and submit robust proposals. This additional funding, combined with the remaining program funding, makes more than $1 billion available for projects through this intake.
INFC is also providing capital investment support through other climate-related programs –the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program and the Natural Infrastructure Fund, respectively launched in 2021 and 2022.
In November 2022, the Government of Canada released Canada's National Adaptation Strategy (NAS). The Strategy involved extensive engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous organizations, experts, private sector, academia, and the public. The closing date for final comments was March 31, 2023, focusing on the new additions of national targets and indicators to measure progress, which had not been reviewed by provinces and territories, nor National Indigenous Organizations.
Future investments in resilient infrastructure will be guided by the advice set out in the NAS, which includes the transformational goal that by 2050:
- all infrastructure systems are climate-resilient and undergo continuous adaptation to adjust to future impacts and deliver reliable services to all, and
- the federal target that all new infrastructure investments will be informed by resilience assessment to ensure what we build today can withstand future climate change.
Advancing the resilient infrastructure objectives in the NAS and the new federal target means equipping all professionals and decision-makers to be able to fully integrate climate-readiness considerations in decisions to locate, plan, operate and maintain assets.
The funding decisions announced in the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan will allow INFC to play an increased leadership role federally to accelerate the uptake of climate-informed codes, standards, and guidelines, and move towards providing more support services through the Climate Toolkits, which will specifically help project proponents and others to build resilience into projects.

Homelessness

Homelessness in Canada

Issue / Question

What is the Government of Canada doing to address homelessness?

Suggested Response

Homelessness is a complex issue and our government is committed to continuing to work with partners and communities to move towards the goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada by 2030.
The Government of Canada has invested nearly $4 billion over nine years to address homelessness through Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy.
Reaching Home is having a significant impact. In its first two years, the program funded over 3,400 projects which helped nearly 32,000 people experiencing homelessness find housing, and more than 62,000 people were prevented from becoming homeless.
As part of the Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased Reaching Home funding enabled the creation of over 18,000 temporary accommodation spaces and there were nearly 137,000 placements into temporary housing like hotels.

Background

The Government of Canada has invested nearly $4 billion over nine years to address homelessness through Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy. This includes an investment of $562.2 million over two years announced in Budget 2022.

Budget 2022: On April 7, 2022, the Budget announced:

an investment of $562.2 million over two years through Reaching Home, beginning in 2024-25. This funding, which maintains the funding levels from 2023-24, is aimed at providing longer term certainty for the community organizations doing vitally important work across the country and to ensure they have the support they need to continue to prevent and address homelessness, as well as continue to make progress toward the Government's goal of ending chronic homelessness;
$18.1 million over three years, beginning in 2022-23, to conduct research to identify what measures are required to support communities in eliminating chronic homelessness. The aim of action research is to identify and document persistent barriers to preventing and reducing chronic homelessness experienced by communities and to test potential approaches to address persistent barriers and document successes and challenges. Projects will focus on three priority areas of study: collaboration, system alignment and data. Flexibility will remain for each individual community to identify specific priority areas, including placing a focus on specific populations through the co-development process; and,
a commitment to eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada by 2030.

Mandate letter priority - Federal Housing Advocate: The Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion's December 2021 mandate letter included a priority to appoint a Federal Housing Advocate. The role of the Federal Housing Advocate is to promote and protect housing rights in Canada by independently conducting research, consulting with individuals with lived experience of housing need and/or homelessness, working with vulnerable groups and civil society organizations as well as reviewing and assessing submissions on systemic housing issues under federal jurisdiction. Effective February 21, 2022, Marie-Josée Houle was appointed the Federal Housing Advocate, by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, for a three year term.

Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy

As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government launched Reaching Home in 2019. Reaching Home is a community-based program that provides funding directly to specific communities through the Designated Communities, Indigenous Homelessness, Rural and Remote Homelessness and Territorial Homelessness streams. Financial support is provided to 64 Designated Communities (urban centres), the three territorial capitals, 30 Indigenous communities and rural and remote communities across Canada to support their efforts in preventing and reducing homelessness.

It also makes funding available to Indigenous partners to support distinctions-based approaches to homelessness services. The Community Capacity and Innovation stream supports communities with the implementation of Coordinated Access and supports innovation in the sector.

Reaching Home in Quebec: the Designated Communities stream and the Rural and Remote Homelessness stream are governed by a Canada-Quebec Agreement that reflects the jurisdictions and priorities of both governments. The Indigenous Homelessness stream is administered by Infrastructure Canada throughout the province. This stream is not under a Canada-Quebec Agreement.

The main objective of Reaching Home is to streamline access to housing and supports for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, by coordinating local services to achieve community-wide outcomes using real-time data.

Between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2021, Reaching Home supported more than 3,400 projects to address the needs of individuals experiencing and at risk of homelessness. These projects focus on program activity areas such as: Basic Needs Services; Housing Placement; Prevention and Shelter Diversion; Economic Integration Services; and COVID-19 Temporary Accommodations.

Through these projects, 62,349 people have received homelessness prevention support such as rental assistance and landlord/family mediation, and 31,928 people have been placed in more stable housing. As part of the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Reaching Home enabled the creation of 18,779 temporary accommodation spaces to ensure physical distancing in shelters. Funding also provided access to income assistance, job training, education programs, and support to find employment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of housing for many Canadians, particularly those who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. Access to safe and affordable housing, as well as support services, are prerequisites to participating fully in economic and social life, and to ensuring protection against disease transmission. With the help of emergency funding for the homelessness sector, communities have taken urgent action to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among those experiencing homelessness, including efforts to reduce overcrowding in shelters, establish isolation spaces and place individuals in hotels/motels.

During the pandemic, our Government invested a total of $1.3 billion in additional funding for Reaching Home to support communities in addressing the needs of people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. This includes $394.2 million through the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, $299.4 million in additional investments for 2021‑22 announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement and $567 million over two years, beginning in 2022-23, announced in Budget 2021. The funding will also support communities in implementing Coordinated Access and associated local data systems (e.g. unique identifier lists) and enhancing the availability of training and technical assistance.

Along with additional funding delivered through the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, Reaching Home introduced temporary flexibilities in its program directives, including:

enabling communities to use Reaching Home funding for health and medical services; and,
allowing Designated Communities and Indigenous Homelessness stream recipients to fund sub-projects located outside of their traditional service boundaries.

With the transition from emergency pandemic response to an ongoing focus on the prevention and reduction of homelessness, including chronic homelessness, these flexibilities will be discontinued after March 31, 2023. This will ensure that Reaching Home funded activities are optimally aligned with the intent of the program.

Veteran Homelessness

Issue / Question

What is the Government of Canada doing to address veteran homelessness?

Suggested Response

Everyone in Canada deserves a safe and affordable place to call home; no one more so than our veterans, to whom we are grateful for their service. The Government of Canada is committed to eliminating chronic homelessness, including among veterans, and to ensuring that all veterans receive the services for which they are eligible.
Budget 2022 announced an investment of $62 million over three years to support a new Veteran Homelessness Program. This is in addition to the funding announced in Budget 2021, for a total of approximately $107 million over five years.
The program will provide rent supplements and wrap-around supports such as counselling so that Veterans are successfully rehomed. We will do so in partnership with our dedicated community partners, by ensuring they have the capacity to deliver services adapted to individual needs and circumstances.
Ending veteran homelessness is a shared responsibility and the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion is working closely with the Minister of Veterans Affairs to ensure the Government implements a program that will help as many veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness as possible.

When will the Government announce the launch of the Veteran Homelessness Program?

The departments are working hard on this initiative and are confident that they will be in a position to announce the way forward soon.

Background

The Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion's mandate letter, published on December 16, 2021, included a plan to "Accelerate our Government's commitment to end chronic homelessness among veterans through the Rapid Housing Initiative, a new rent supplement program, wrap-around supports and a dedicated stream of funding for veterans within the National Housing Co-Investment Fund."

Veteran Homelessness Program

Budget 2021 and Budget 2022 announced a total of $106.8 million over five years for Infrastructure Canada to launch a new Veteran Homelessness Program that will provide wrap-around services and rent supplements to Veterans experiencing homelessness in partnership with community organizations.

Veteran Homelessness Roundtables

In March 2022, the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion co-hosted three virtual veteran homelessness roundtables with the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. In total, 41 veteran and homelessness stakeholders participated, as well as veterans with lived experience of homelessness.

These roundtables gathered ideas on how the Government can lead efforts to end veteran homelessness, and will be used to inform the new Veteran Homelessness Program announced in Budget 2022. Themes included the need to ensure: veteran housing choice; that wrap-around services are available in conjunction with affordable and safe housing; that health and medical services are integrated in supports for veterans; better data and data-driven approaches to veteran homelessness; increased awareness of available programs and services for veterans at risk or experiencing homelessness; and coordination across sectors, government departments, and orders of governments to prevent and reduce veteran homelessness.

Reaching Home

Veterans experiencing homelessness have access to programming for homeless and at-risk individuals through Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy funding to communities.

In order to understand veterans experiencing homelessness, both coordinated Point-in-Time Counts held in 2016 and 2018 included a question on veteran status as one of the core questions being asked in the counts. With this data, resources can be targeted more effectively at the local level.

Further, the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System, software used by service providers across the country, includes indicators to identify veterans in order to refer them to services provided by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).

On September 23, 2020, the Speech from the Throne committed to building on the work of the National Housing Strategy (NHS) by focusing on "entirely eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada", including among veterans.

Beyond Reaching Home, other initiatives that support veterans

Through VAC, the Minister of Veterans Affairs is responsible for a number of other initiatives that support veterans as well as the organizations who serve them. Budget 2021 announced $140 million over five years starting in 2021-22, and $6 million ongoing, for a program that would cover the mental health care costs of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive, or anxiety disorders while their disability benefit application is being processed.

Other examples of VAC programming include:

The Veterans Emergency Fund, which provides prompt financial support to veterans, their families and survivors who are facing an unforeseen financial emergency that is threatening their health and well-being;
Financial assistance available to eligible veterans through the War Veterans Allowance, the Assistance Fund, and Treatment benefits;
Educational and employment assistance and mental health supports, as well as programs that care for veterans with disabilities;
The VAC Assistance Service, which provides free, short-term psychological support with a mental health professional to veterans, their families, and their caregivers for difficulties affecting their well-being.

Not-for-profit organizations, such as Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund and the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund, also provide veterans in crisis with access to emergency funds.

London, Ontario's achievement of functional zero on veteran homelessness

The community of London, Ontario is the first in Canada to functionally end veteran homelessness, meaning the number of veterans experiencing homelessness is less than or equal to the number of veterans a community has proven it can house in a month.

Between March and August 2020, London reduced the number of veterans experiencing homelessness by over 57%. Leveraging community-level data and working in collaboration with organizations serving veterans, the local homeless-serving system strategically targeted resources on homeless veterans.

Through Reaching Home, the Government has provided investments to implement Coordinated Access and a unique identifier list (or By-Name List), a comprehensive real-time list of all people experiencing homelessness in a community. Through a combination of Reaching Home funding and supports provided by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH), London was the first community in Canada to achieve a Quality By-Name List for veterans as part of CAEH's Built for Zero Canada initiative.

Data on Veteran Homelessness

In 2020, an estimated 1.5% of emergency shelter users were veterans (1,566 individuals). This is consistent with the estimated overall proportion of veterans in Canada according to the 2021 Veteran Affairs Canada counts (1.7%). It is believed that these results are underestimated given that they are based on Veterans who self-identify; and exclude Veterans who do not access the shelter system. As a result, it is generally estimated there are about 2,500 Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Results from the 2018 Coordinated Point-in-Time Count show that in the 61 participating communities, approximately 5% of respondents indicated that they were a veteran of either the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Performance Audit of Chronic Homelessness

Issue / Question

What is the Government of Canada's response to the Auditor General of Canada's performance audit of Chronic Homelessness in Canada ?

Suggested Response

The Government of Canada welcomes the Report.
Homelessness is a complex issue, and no single program can solve this issue on its own. To end chronic homelessness the federal government needs to work with all orders of government, Indigenous partners, and community organizations across sectors including health, corrections, and child welfare to address the root causes of homelessness.
The government is committed to continuing to do this work and to providing communities with the tools and resources needed to address chronic homelessness, with the goal of eliminating it in Canada by 2030.
While COVID-19 impacted communities' abilities to collect and report program data, Infrastructure Canada has committed to improve timeliness of data collection, analysis, and the reporting process related to program outcomes.
The Government has doubled funding for Coordinated Access and offered new guidance to communities on this program requirement. As of March 31, 2023, 46 communities have implemented this approach, and Infrastructure Canada is working with the remaining 14 to have this in place as soon as possible.
The department has also implemented the Results Reporting Online system referenced in the Report.
Further, the Reaching Home program data referenced in the Report is now available, and the department is using it to assess and report on the impact and results of its work.

Background

The Office of the Auditor General of Canada's (OAG) Performance Audit of Chronic Homelessness in Canada

Report 5—Chronic Homelessness of the 2022 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada, was published on November 15, 2022.

OAG performance audits of Government services and programs are independent, objective and systematic assessments of the Government's management practices, controls, and reporting systems based on its own public administration policies and on best practices.

The audit work began in late 2021, and its scope includes the period of November 2017 through March 31, 2022. This audit examined efforts and progress made by Infrastructure Canada (INFC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)* and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in reducing chronic homelessness in Canada by 50% by 2027-28.

This audit focused on:

Whether ESDC* and INFC prevented and reduced chronic homelessness through interventions that helped persons at risk of or experiencing homelessness obtain housing and supports needed to remain housed.
Whether CMHC contributed to the prevention and reduction of chronic homelessness by addressing the housing needs and improving housing outcomes for vulnerable Canadians.

*The scope of the audit shifted from ESDC to INFC after the Homelessness Policy Directorate transferred to INFC effective October 26, 2021.

This audit found that:

INFC did not know whether chronic/homelessness increased/decreased;
Collection and analysis of data on Reaching Home project results and use of pandemic funding was incomplete;
CMHC did not know whether it was addressing housing needs of and improving housing outcomes for vulnerable Canadians;
There was minimal federal accountability for reaching the National Housing Strategy (NHS) goal of reducing chronic homelessness by 50% by the 2027-28 fiscal year;
Federal housing and homelessness initiatives were not well integrated.

As part of the NHS, Reaching Home launched in April 2019, and introduced a number of transformational adjustments. Specifically, the Program aims to streamline access to housing and supports for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness by coordinating local services to achieve community-wide outcomes using real-time data. In many cases, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed implementation as communities re-directed efforts to address the public health crisis that emerged.

The Auditor General recommended that the federal government:

Collect/analyze data quickly, to report up-to-date results on chronic/homelessness, and determine how programs are addressing needs;
Use data and analysis to make program adjustments where required;
Assess impact of CMHC programs on vulnerable groups at all stages of NHS initiatives;
Align and integrate efforts of INFC and CMHC to meet housing needs of priority vulnerable groups including people experiencing chronic homelessness;
Engage central agencies to clarify accountability for the achievement of the chronic homelessness NHS target.

INFC and CMHC agree with these recommendations, and note that COVID-19 significantly impacted communities' ability to collect and report data. In response:

INFC has developed a workplan to accelerate data availability. This will support program adjustments as needed;
CMHC will further define and analyze the housing need of vulnerable populations, understand who is being assisted within its units, and measure how its programs are meeting these needs, by the end of 2023;
CMHC and INFC will work with central agencies by December 31, 2023, to clarify accountability for the achievement of the chronic homelessness NHS target;
Senior level committees established in 2022-23 are formalizing collaboration across CMHC, INFC, Veterans Affairs Canada and other federal partners.

INFC and CMHC have developed detailed action plans that outline the concrete actions and their respective timelines that will be taken to address the OAG's recommendations, including the above listed activities.

Government commitments regarding chronic homelessness

As part of the NHS, in 2018, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $2.2 billion over 10 years to prevent and reduce homelessness, and support a broader NHS objective of reducing chronic homelessness by 50% by 2027-28. On April 1, 2019, the Government of Canada launched Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy.
On September 23, 2020, the Speech from the Throne committed to building on the work of the NHS by focusing on "entirely eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada."
Budget 2021 reiterated the Government's commitment to eliminate chronic homelessness in Canada.
On November 23, 2021, the Speech from the Throne reiterated the Government's commitment to "working with its partners" to end chronic homelessness in Canada. Subsequently, the Mandate Letter of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, published on December 16, 2021, called for the appointment of a new Federal Housing Advocate to monitor progress in meeting goals including ending chronic homelessness.
On April 7, 2022, the Budget announced:
- An additional $562.2 million over two years through Reaching Home beginning in 2024-25, to maintain the funding levels from 2023-24, aimed at objectives including continuing to make progress toward ending chronic homelessness;
- $18.1 million over three years, beginning in 2022-23, to conduct research about what further measures are required to support communities in eliminating chronic homelessness; and
- A commitment to eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada by 2030.

Key statistics on chronic homelessness in Canada

The number of shelter users decreased from 143,000 in 2017 to 106,000 in 2020.
The drop from 2019 to 2020 (from 118,759 to 106,000) is largely attributable to the pandemic and the reduced shelter capacity due to social distancing. However, prior to the pandemic, from 2017 to 2019, there was also a downward trend in shelter use.
Despite a decrease in shelter users, occupancy rates have increased over the study period due to longer shelter stays. Shelter occupancy approached 85% in 2020.
Among 106,000 emergency shelters users, about 32,000 experienced chronic homelessness.

Note: methodology for calculating 2020 emergency shelter data is being reviewed. Results may be adjusted in spring 2023.

Other INFC Programs, Initiatives and Issues

Investing in Canada Plan

Issue / Question

What are the key results to date for the Investing in Canada Plan?

Suggested Response

The Investing in Canada Plan is on track. It is generating economic growth, creating good jobs, and building strong, green, inclusive communities for Canadians to live and work in.
We have approved thousands of projects across the country, improving Canadians' access to affordable housing, clean water, trade infrastructure, community centres, and transit systems.
As of March 2023, over $131.1 billion of the $188 billion –70% of the total funding – has been allocated to over 85,000 projects and $78.7 billion has been paid out.
And we have continued to build on the foundation laid by the Plan by making additional, historic investments in infrastructure in recent Budgets.
We will continue to build on a solid base of data collection and reporting, and will continue to work with our partners to provide Canadians with comprehensive and timely information on Government investments.

Responsive on the Auditor General of Canada's audit of the Investing in Canada Plan:

In response to the Auditor General's report, we worked with our delivery partners to strengthen reporting on the Plan's investments and outcomes.
Legacy programs – those programs that were in place when our Government took office – are now fully integrated into the Plan's reporting structure.
The reporting framework has been improved to ensure consistent, comprehensive and easy to understand information on the Plan is publicly available.

Background

The Investing in Canada Plan (the Plan) is the federal government's long-term infrastructure plan that was announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Plan is a point-in-time snapshot of government-wide investments in infrastructure, and does not include newer infrastructure investments announced in Budgets 2018, 2019 and 2021.
The Plan provides a strategic framework to guide the delivery of over $180 billion in federal investments in infrastructure over 12 years and is focused on achieving three key objectives: generating long-term economic growth to build a stronger middle class; improving the resiliency of communities and Canada's transition to a clean growth economy; and enhancing social inclusion and socio-economic outcomes for all Canadians.
The Plan comprises $95.6 billion in new funding for infrastructure programs, committed in Budgets 2016 and 2017. Additionally, the Plan delivers $92.2 billion through pre-budget 2016 programs, through funding mechanisms such as the Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly known as the federal Gas Tax Fund) and the New Building Canada Fund.
- In Budget 2016 (Phase 1), $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 finished.
- In Budget 2017 (Phase 2), more than $81 billion in new funding was made available to support five priority areas over the next decade: public transit, green, social, trade and transportation, and rural and northern communities' infrastructure. All Budget 2017 programs have launched.
As of March 2023, the status of the Plan is as follows:
- Over $131.1 billion of the $188 billion has been allocated to more than 85,000 projects and $78.7 billion has been paid out.
- Over 70% of the Plan is committed to approved projects.
- Half of the Plan's programs are closed or no longer accepting new projects as project intakes are closed.
Infrastructure Canada (INFC) is responsible for the overall coordination and annual reporting on results for the more than 90 programs under the Plan. The Department delivers Investing in Canada programming along with 20 federal departments and agencies including Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Employment and Social Development Canada and Transport Canada.
While each department reports on the specific implementation of their programs under the Plan, INFC is committed to reporting transparently and openly on the progress and results of the Plan.
- The Implementation Progress and Funding Update table is updated quarterly and provides an accounting of the full $188 billion.
- Progress on the Plan is reported annually through INFC's Departmental Plan and the Departmental Results Report.
- A Progress report on the Plan was published in 2019.
- INFC also reports on the status of its own programming through the Government of Canada's Open Government Portal and through its Departmental Results Report.
The Auditor General of Canada tabled a report on the Plan in March 2021, which included the following recommendation:
- To improve monitoring, tracking, and reporting on progress toward the Investing in Canada Plan's objectives, INFC should work with its federal partner organizations in the Plan and with central agencies to determine:
  - How to better measure projects' progress toward the Plan's objectives;
  - Which legacy programs are meant to contribute to the Plan's objectives and how to report on them; and
  - What information the Department needs from federal partner organizations to provide public reporting on the Plan that is consistent, comprehensive, and easy to understand.
The Government accepted the Auditor General's recommendation. In order to respond to the findings, a Management Action Plan (MAP) was implemented to:
- Review performance indicators to better measure and report on progress toward the outcomes and objectives of the Plan;
- Integrate legacy programs into the Plan's reporting structure; and
- Improve reporting to ensure consistent, comprehensive and easy to understand information on the Plan is publicly available.
In response to the report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PACP) regarding the Auditor General's audit, a Government Response outlining INFC's actions under the Management Action Plan was provided to PACP and tabled in the House of Commons June 7, 2022.
Some programs under the Plan were modified to add additional flexibilities in response to COVID-19. For example, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will provide up to $32 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.
Additionally, a new, temporary COVID-19 Resilience stream was created in the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with over $3 billion available in existing funding, to provide provinces and territories with added flexibility to fund quick-start, short-term projects that might not otherwise be eligible under existing funding streams. The COVID-19 Resilience stream also took action to help communities address COVID-19 specific challenges by providing a larger federal cost share for eligible projects to alleviate financial pressures communities faced from the start of the pandemic.

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Acceleration

Issue / Question

Infrastructure Canada has successfully allocated all provincial funding 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's Bilateral Agreements, Infrastructure Canada is providing funding for public transit, green infrastructure, community, culture and recreational infrastructure, and rural and northern infrastructure projects.
March 31, 2023 marks the successful allocation of all provincial funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Territories will have until March 31, 2025 to fully allocate available funding to projects. All project construction must be completed by October 31, 2033.
Infrastructure projects across the country are advancing, including major light rail transit projects, clean water and wastewater treatment projects, ventilation improvement projects in community buildings and Indigenous wellness centres.
Through these important infrastructure investments, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians for the years to come.

Background

The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is an allocation-based program. Provinces and territories, in consultation with municipalities and Indigenous communities, are responsible for identifying, prioritising and submitting projects, and flowing funds to eligible ultimate recipients.
Managed through Integrated Bilateral Agreements, 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 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.
Budget 2022 accelerated the deadline for provinces to fully commit the allocations that have been provided to them by March 31, 2023. The program's construction deadline for the program was also extended to October 2033 to support recipients in adapting to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and to allow for the approval of priority projects under the program.
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Public Transit: New Light Rail Transit systems; electric bus purchases; and removing barriers such as providing wheelchair ramps at transit stations.
- Green: Renewable energy storage; strategic interties; preservation of natural wetland systems; rehabilitation of climate resilient infrastructure; water main and sewer replacement; 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.

Inflation and Rising Project Costs

Issue / Question

What is the Government doing to address inflation and rising project costs in infrastructure?

Suggested Response

Canada, like other countries, is facing a unique period where events like the pandemic have had a huge impact on inflation, supply chain volatility and labour shortages. These pressures are not unique to infrastructure projects and are impacting projects across all sectors.
The Government is committed to ensuring that our investments in infrastructure come to fruition for Canadians. Recognizing that all projects are different, the department is committed to working with proponents to find solutions.

Background

Infrastructure Canada (INFC) manages a large funding envelope for infrastructure programs. Project recipients are the decision-maker and are responsible for all risks associated with a project, including the project budget. INFC approves a maximum fixed contribution at the time of project approval, with no involvement in project management.
The recent rise in inflation, coupled with existing supply chain volatility, labour shortages, and limited resources/capacity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created an environment of increased project costs for many infrastructure projects. The impacts are far reaching, various recipients, project types, and projects both large and small. INFC is increasingly seeing a number of situations whereby recipients are seeking additional financial support due to projects facing unexpected cost increases.
INFC has defined a cost overrun as an increase in project costs without a tangible increase in project benefits and has signaled through agreements with recipients that cost overruns will not be funded.
To date, the department has assessed unforeseen pressures of cost escalation on a case-by-case basis for projects that are receiving funding under INFC programs, and has identified some opportunities where projects were able to proceed if they were still able to achieve the public benefit.
Recognizing the current fiscal environment will continue to be a challenge for infrastructure projects, INFC is currently examining options for the successful delivery of projects coupled with strong financial management – with a focus on projects approved/started before the current shifts in the fiscal environment.
Public infrastructure still needs to be built, while maintaining appropriate federal oversight of the use of public taxpayer dollars.

Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program

Issue / Question

Update on the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program

Suggested Response

A second competitive timed intake for large retrofits and new builds was launched on December 5, 2022. Applications for funding under both streams, continuous and timed, of the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program were accepted until February 28, 2023. The application period for eligible applicants in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut closed April 11, 2023.
I have approved projects across the country, for more than two thirds of the original $1.5 billion funding envelope, which will provide Canadians with new and retrofitted publicly-accessible community buildings that serve high-needs and underserved communities while advancing Canada's climate goals.
The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program is making a real difference for Canadians and communities.
By supporting green and accessible small, medium and large retrofits, repairs or upgrades of existing buildings, as well as the construction of new buildings, the program is making public community buildings more energy efficient, lower carbon and more resilient.

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, underserved communities across Canada, including Indigenous communities.
The GICB was launched on April 14, 2021 and includes two intake streams:
1. Continuous Intake:
  - Applications for small and medium retrofit projects (under $3 million) to existing buildings
2. Scheduled Intake:
  - Applications for large retrofit projects to existing buildings or new community building projects ranging from $3 million to $25 million
A second scheduled intake was launched on December 5, 2022, with a closing date of February 28, 2023 for both scheduled and continuous intakes. The application period was open until April 11, 2023 for eligible applicants in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
To date, 81 projects with federal funding of over $508 million have been announced under the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program with many more to come in the coming months.
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 and offers direct Indigenous applicant support when requested.

Ventilation Improvement Funding

Issue / Question

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

Suggested Response

The Government of Canada pivoted quickly to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and to support improved ventilation in public buildings in order to support Canadians' health during the pandemic and beyond. The Government of Canada is working with Provinces and Territories to ensure all funding is committed for projects for Canadians across the country.
The initial $120 million added to the COVID-19 Resilience stream to improve ventilation in public and community buildings was further augmented in the 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update with an additional $70 million to help further the impact of these investments.
In total, Infrastructure Canada has funded over 600 ventilation improvement projects with a federal contribution of over $900 million approved under dedicated ventilation improvement funding and the COVID-19 Resilience stream.

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 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 spread 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 improvements projects.

Canada Community-Building Fund

Issue / Question

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

Suggested Response

The Canada Community-Building Fund currently provides $2.3 billion per year of predictable, long-term funding that helps communities build and revitalize their public infrastructure according to community priorities.
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.
The Government of Canada will work with signatories to renew program agreements while tying access to this funding to actions by the provinces, territories and municipalities to increase the housing supply across the country.

Background

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, indexed source of federal infrastructure funding for municipalities in 2014. The Fund is indexed at 2% per year, applied in $100 million increments.
The funds are allocated on a per-capita basis using Census data, with the exception of Prince Edward Island and the Territories, who receive a base amount in place of per-capita values due to smaller population sizes. Allocations intended for First Nations on Reserves in the provinces are managed by Indigenous Services Canada through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund.
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.
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.
When the current CCBF 2014-2024 administrative agreements end, the program will have provided municipalities with over $26 billion in infrastructure funding.
The agreements with CCBF signatories are due to be renewed in 2024.

Natural Infrastructure Fund

Issue / Question

Status of the Natural Infrastructure Fund

Suggested Response

The Natural Infrastructure Fund is a program that will fund natural and hybrid infrastructure projects such as wetlands, urban forests, green roofs, rain gardens, and living dykes that are primarily for public use or benefit in communities across Canada.
Projects funded through the Natural Infrastructure Fund will create, expand, or enhance communities' access to nature, furthering resilience to climate change, improving environmental quality, and protecting biodiversity.
As part of the Small Projects Stream intake, which took place last fall, we received a very high level of interest from across the country with a significant number of applications submitted. Applications are currently being assessed.
The City of Vancouver's Rain City Strategy Using Nature-Based Solutions was announced on March 16, 2023. Remaining projects selected for funding under the Large Projects Stream will be announced in the near future.

Background

Announced in Budget 2021, the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF) is a $200 million three year program that aims to support projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to protect the natural environment, support healthy and resilient communities and contribute to economic growth and jobs.
A minimum of 10% ($20 million) of the total program envelope will be allocated to Indigenous-led projects.
Natural infrastructure is defined as the use of preserved, restored or enhanced ecosystem features and materials (e.g., water, native species of vegetation, sand and stone) to deliver targeted community services and infrastructure outcomes.
This program complements other federal efforts to deliver on the Government of Canada's conservation targets through investments at the local level to enhance and expand natural infrastructure in and around communities, and increase opportunities for Canadians to connect with nature, and benefit from access to healthy natural spaces.
The Large Projects Stream under NIF targets major cities with innovative natural infrastructure strategies to help implement projects and accelerate the community's environmental and economic co-benefits. The invitation to Toronto and Vancouver was announced publicly. Halifax, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Montréal being the other four cities invited to apply. Under this stream, projects with total eligible costs over $3 million can be funded, with a maximum federal contribution of $20 million.
The Small Projects Stream is a national, competitive, direct-delivery program delivered through grants and contributions in support of projects that create, expand, restore, improve or enhance natural or hybrid infrastructure that is primarily for public benefit. Under this stream, projects with total eligible costs between $30,000 and $3 million can be funded via grants up to $250,000, or contributions up to $1 million.

National Infrastructure Assessment

Issue / Question

What is the status of the National Infrastructure Assessment?

Suggested Response

The National Infrastructure Assessment, to be launched in 2023, 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.
Eagerly anticipated by stakeholders, the Assessment will help identify evolving needs and priorities over the longer term and ensure informed, strategic investments in public infrastructure, which is particularly important in a tightening fiscal context.
Following engagement with stakeholders, the Government is finalizing its advice on the mandate and scope of the advisory body that will lead this work over the coming years.

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 finalizing next steps for the National Infrastructure Assessment, including the body to lead the work, its mandate and scope of the work involved.

Quebec Bridge Restoration

Issue / Question

Update on the Quebec Bridge restoration.

Suggested Response

The Government of Canada understands the strategic, economic and heritage importance of restoring the Quebec Bridge and is exploring the possibility of its repatriation provided a fair agreement can be negotiated with partners.
Discussions with the Canadian National Railway (CN) continue to reach an agreement in principle which could see the federal government's repatriation of the Bridge and establish a fair and equitable partnership with CN and Quebec.
We remain committed and confident that we will conclude fair and equitable agreements with CN and Quebec, the two partners and historical users of the bridge, to materialize our commitment to take care of this historical asset and a key link between the south and north shores of Quebec.

Background

Negotiations are continuing with Canadian National Railway (CN).
In July 2022, Infrastructure Canada (INFC) proactively launched the independent evaluation of the Quebec Bridge as part of the due diligence exercise required for the potential acquisition of the Quebec Bridge by the Government of Canada.
In December 2021, the Quebec Bridge project was included in the Minister of Transport's Mandate Letter: "Complete negotiations to repatriate and rehabilitate the Quebec Bridge".
During summer 2021, through Mr. Charest's work, negotiations with CN advanced significantly.
In early June 2021, CN appointed Mr. Pierre Lortie, Senior Advisor at Dentons Canada LLP, as its advisor and interlocutor to Mr. Charest on the Quebec Bridge file.
On April 16, 2021, Minister McKenna announced that the federal government is taking a major step in rehabilitating the Quebec Bridge, including the possibility of repatriation provided a fair agreement can be negotiated.
On June 26, 2020, the negotiator presented his Recommendation and Cost Estimates Report to the Ministers of INFC and Finance. The report identifies various options for the rehabilitation of the Bridge.
On August 23, 2019, the federal government appointed Yvon Charest as a special negotiator in the Quebec Bridge file. The negotiator's mandate was to recommend options to ensure the Bridge's rehabilitation in the near term.
In 2018, the restoration of the Quebec Bridge, including its painting, became a priority for the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
Since 1997, in response to demands made by the local population, the Government of Canada made numerous attempts to reach an agreement with CN and the Government of Quebec for paint work on the Bridge.
A federal government property since its construction in 1917, the bridge ownership was transferred to CN in the 1990s. CN is responsible for the management and operation of the rail deck and the overall bridge structure.
The Government of Quebec is a key partner and is responsible for and operates the road deck since the 1930s and contributes annually to the overall maintenance costs of the bridge through a 10-year agreement with CN.
Built in 1917, the Quebec Bridge is a strategic and historical asset that connects Québec City and Lévis. This infrastructure enables the movement of people and goods between the shores of the Saint Lawrence River (33,000 cars, 10 VIA Rail passenger trains and 3 CN freight trains every day).

Portfolio Governance

Canada Infrastructure Bank Mandate and Value

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 attracting 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 with public, private and Indigenous partners, such as deployment of small modular reactors, battery storage, and zero-emission buses.
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.
The CIB has become a valued advisor to partner governments, as well as an investing partner that helps the more complex and transformative projects get built contributing to better outcomes for Canadians.

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 is playing an important advisory role and helping to build capacity and to structure complex projects to support all governments in Canada advance their goals, particularly around projects that are bankable, appropriate for attracting private investment and risk transfer, such as larger projects of scale and complexity. Projects that don't meet these criteria are better suited to grants and contributions.
The CIB was created as part of the Investing in Canada Plan in June 2017, 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 third 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. Budget 2023 announced increased investments from the Bank of $10 billion in both in its Clean Power and Green Infrastructure priority areas that will support the building of major clean electricity and clean growth infrastructure projects.
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. To support Indigenous participation in major projects, Budget 2023 announced the CIB will provide loans to Indigenous communities to support them in purchasing equity stakes in infrastructure projects in which the Bank is also investing.
As of December 2022:
- CIB is involved in 43 investment commitments (including 27 investments that have reached financial close).
- CIB announced 12 MOUs and advisory engagements
- CIB's approved investments of $8.6 billion have attracted $7.9 billion in private and institutional capital; and
- CIB's approved investments are in projects with a total capital cost of nearly $25 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 - $380 million investment by CIB
  - Brampton Zero-Emission Buses - $400 million investment by CIB
  - Edmonton Zero-Emission Buses - $14.4 million investment by CIB
  - BC Zero-Emission School Buses - $30 million investment by CIB
  - Autobus Séguin Zero-Emission School Buses - $15 million investment by CIB
  - Quebec Zero-Emission School Buses – up to $400 million investment by CIB
  - Montréal-Trudeau International Airport REM Station - $300 million investment by CIB
- Broadband
  - Manitoba Fibre - $164 million investment by CIB
- Clean Power
  - Darlington Small Modular Reactor - $970 million investment by CIB
  - Oneida Energy Storage - $170 million investment by CIB
- Trade and Transportation
  - Alberta Irrigation - $466 million investment by CIB
  - Kahkewistahaw Landing Infrastructure - $15.4 million investment by CIB
- Green Infrastructure
  - SOFIAC Retrofits – up to $100 million investment by CIB
  - DREAM – up to $136 million investment by CIB
  - Toronto Western Hospital Retrofit - $19.3 million investment 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 attract private and institutional investment in projects and to use innovative financing tools to get more infrastructure built for Canadians.
The CIB has advanced 43 investments, committed $8.6 billion in CIB capital and attracted $7.9 billion in private and institutional investment to support partnerships and transformative projects.
The CIB is making a difference by connecting Canadians, creating good jobs and helping reach our climate goals with projects like the Darlington Small Modular Reactor and Alberta Irrigation; rural broadband in Manitoba; and energy retrofits in Quebec.

Background

The CIB has made a total of 43 investment commitments in its five priority sectors located across Canada (as of December 30, 2022):
- Public Transit: 11 projects
- Clean Power: 7 projects
- Green Infrastructure: 15 projects
- Broadband: 7 projects
- Trade and Transportation: 3 projects
- Note: one project counts as both Clean Power and Broadband
The total of 43 investment commitments includes 27 investments that have reached financial close.
The CIB has 12 announced MOUs and advisory engagements.
Building upon the CIB's " Growth Plan," nearly $25 billion in total project capital cost has been announced (as of December 2022).
- $8.6 billion in approved CIB investments
- $7.9 billion from Private and Institutional Investors
- $8.5 billion from other Public Partners
Since June 30, 2022, shortly after the last time the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities discussed the CIB, the CIB has:
- made nine new investment commitments, increasing its total from 34 to 43
- achieved financial close on 10 of the projects in its portfolio, increasing this number from 17 to 27.
- invested an additional $1.0 billion, going from $7.6 billion to $8.6 billion
- attracted $200 million more from private and institutional investors, from $7.7 billion to $7.9 billion.
- seen the total capital cost of projects in which the CIB invests increase by $3.1 billion, from $21.8 billion to $24.9 billion.
The CIB's website includes a list of the projects they are currently investing in, with explanations on how the projects are helping Canadians.
- Infrastructure Partnerships

Canada Infrastructure Bank Operations

Issue / Question

What are the operating costs of the Canada Infrastructure Bank?

Suggested Response

Similar to other Crown corporations, the Canada Infrastructure Bank incurs operating expenses in carrying out its mandate.
The Bank's three primary business functions are investment, advisory services and research. The Bank's operating expenses were $36.6 million in 2021-22.
The Bank's Board of Directors is responsible for the organization's day-to-day operations, including ensuring the appropriateness of these expenditures.

On the CIB's Compensation Framework:

The CIB's compensation framework reflects best practices of Crown corporations and comparable organizations in the private sector.
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.
The Bank's Annual Report, tabled before Parliament, includes information about its compensation policies and expenditures, including performance pay.

Disclosure of Individual Employee Compensation:

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 $36.6 million in 2021-22, compared to $27.9 million in 2020-21. As of December 31, 2022, the CIB has incurred $36.4 million in operating expenses in 2022-23.
These costs do not include the CIB's contribution to the Joint Project Office that supports the VIA Rail high frequency rail project, which was $9.6 million in 2021-22, compared to $25 million in 2020-21.
The majority of operating expenses in 2021-22 related to compensation (65%) and professional fees (27%) for external technical, consulting and legal guidance related to due diligence activities.
As of March 31, 2022, CIB had 92 full time employees.
The CIB provides quarterly financial information on the CIB website.
CIB earned revenue on its investments of $22.7 million in 2021-22, compared to $21.7 million in 2020-21. As of December 31, 2022, the CIB has earned $21.2 million in revenue on its investments in 2022-23. 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 2022-23, CIB is planning for operating expenses of $63.4 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.

Canada Infrastructure Bank Legislative Review

Issue / Question

What is the status of the legislative review of the Canada Infrastructure Bank Act?

Suggested Response

The Canada Infrastructure Bank Act, which came into force on June 22, 2017,contains a standard clause to undertake a review of the provisions and operations of the Act five years after it was enacted. This is similar to Acts that govern other Crown corporations.
In June 2022, the Government initiated work for the review. Stakeholder consultations conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 will inform a report that will be tabled in Parliament in June 2023.
The review is an opportunity to recognize the progress made to date and assess the evolution of the Bank over the last five years.

Background

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) Act, the enabling legislation for the Canada Infrastructure Bank, requires the Minister to undertake a review of the provisions and operations of the CIB Act every five years beginning on the day on which it came into force (i.e., with the first review covering the period of June 22, 2017 to June 22, 2022).
The review must be initiated by the Minister. Once commenced, a report on the findings of the review must be tabled before Parliament one year from the day the review was undertaken and this report must be reviewed subsequently by the relevant Parliamentary Committee.
The review will assess: whether the policy premises and context that underpinned the creation of the Bank are still sound and pertinent; whether the CIB's legislated mandate and authorities to support its operations remain relevant in the context of an evolving policy and infrastructure landscape; and whether changes or clarifications are needed to position the CIB going forward.
The department has conducted targeted stakeholder engagement between November 2022 and March 2023, and posted details on the legislative review online on January 27, 2023.

Public Private Partnerships

Issue / Question

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

Suggested Response

Canada is recognized globally as a leader in the development and execution of Public Private Partnerships or P3 models for the delivery of public infrastructure.
P3s are performance-based contracts in which private partners can develop and finance major public infrastructure in exchange for payments collected from a revenue stream, such as user fees or government payments. Typically, they also operate and maintain the infrastructure once construction has been completed.
Under a 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. The P3 model can help authorities manage projects by transferring risks relating to infrastructure usage or revenue to the private sector.
P3s will continue to be one option in the Government's toolkit, along with other collaborative alternative finance and delivery models. Jurisdictions will need to select models that best suit their needs and capabilities.

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 suitable 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, typically in the form of cost savings.
The P3 model was an important building block in the formation of the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
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.
Due to the pandemic, supply chain constraints and inflation of key material prices, contractors are shying away from the fixed price, date certain bidding models for large complex projects and favouring collaborative or progressive models in which project development is done in a partnership between public and private sector before entering into a fixed or target price contract.
The collaborative or progressive models suggest a better understanding of project risks and allocation between partners however they are as yet unproven in the market. Ontario is currently undertaking several projects using this model including the Scarborough Subway Extension. Transport Canada is using a similar model to procure a co-development partner for the High Frequency Rail project.

Waterfront Toronto

Issue / Question

Since 2000, the federal government has partnered with Ontario and Toronto to revitalize Toronto's waterfront. The funding in the Main Estimates is part of the federal government's $416.6 million contribution to the Port Lands Flood Protection Project.

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.

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 along Toronto's central waterfront.
The organization was jointly established and continues to be jointly governed by the three orders 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.
Separate from federal funding, Waterfront Toronto is undertaking the Quayside Development Opportunity, a project that aims to develop a 12-acre site into an inclusive, next-generation sustainable neighbourhood. In December 2022, Waterfront Toronto's Board approved an agreement with the development partner, Quayside Impact Limited Partnership.
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.

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 Samuel De Champlain Bridge has been operational since June 2019, serving residents of Montréal and the South Shore.
Work is progressing to soon complete outstanding elements of the project that were delayed as a result of the pandemic.
The Réseau express métropolitain light rail corridor crossing the Samuel De Champlain Bridge has entered the testing phase and is expected to provide new public transit options by connecting the South Shore to downtown Montréal in spring 2023.

If asked about the old Champlain Bridge:

The deconstruction of the old Champlain Bridge is progressing as planned 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. This fiscal year, the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) received an Engineering Award in Sustainable Development for the implementation of measures to recover up to 90% of the materials generated by the deconstruction project.
Upon deconstruction completion, the JCCBI will undertake its Heritage Champlain initiative in order to revitalize the 7 acres of newly vacant land in order to provide shoreline access and benefit citizens. Heritage Champlain is set for completion in 2025, and will be implemented within the JCCBI's existing deconstruction funding envelope.

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-Lawrence Group. 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 authority, Public Works and Procurement Canada as the contracting authority, 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 by CDPQ Infra. The segment of the REM between the South Shore to downtown Montréal that crosses the Samuel De Champlain Bridge has entered the testing phase and is expected to be operational in spring 2023.
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 and is on track for completion by 2024.
Heritage Champlain is set for completion in 2025, and is aligned with the main themes that emerged during public consultations in 2019. Heritage Champlain project milestones include the restoration of lands left vacant, providing safe access to the shoreline, restoring natural fish habitat, commemorating the history of the Champlain bridge, improving the existing active transportation network and promoting activities near the river to provide residents with a sense of ownership of these newly freed public spaces.

Gordie Howe International Bridge Project

Issue / Question

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

Suggested Response

Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is advancing. The bridge towers on both sides of the border are over 570 feet tall and the cables that will connect the towers to the bridge and road deck are being installed.
The Private Partner is to deliver the Project by November 2024 as per its contractual requirements, and is responsible for implementing solutions to mitigate delays.
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the Crown corporation overseeing delivery of the Project, is working with the Private Partner to assess the impacts of the pandemic, which includes impacts on the schedule.
As these discussions are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on potential impacts at this time.
Canada is working hand-in-hand with the State of Michigan and American and Canadian partners to deliver a new international crossing that will support long term jobs, important supply chains and trade that will drive economic growth for years to come.

Background

The Gordie Howe International Bridge Project will provide modern facilities and a direct highway-to-highway connection between Highway 401 in Windsor, Ontario and Interstate 75 in Detroit, Michigan, facilitating the flow of people and goods at the busiest Canada–United States land border crossing.
The Bridge will be jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, and delivered by Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), a non-agent Crown corporation, through a $5.7 billion fixed-priced, public-private partnership with Bridging North America (BNA). Canada is funding the full amount with costs to be recouped from toll revenue.
The project is in the fourth year of construction and work has continued throughout the pandemic on all components. Once completed the bridge towers will stand at 722 feet. The bridge towers on both sides of the border now stand at over 570 feet tall, and installation of the stay-cables that will connect the towers to the bridge and road deck are underway. Construction of the Ports of Entry buildings on both sides of the border are well advanced and work is progressing on the Interstate 75 interchange in Michigan.
The contractual date for the bridge opening remains November 2024, but potential delays to schedule have been reported in the media by the Private Partner. Delays are not uncommon for large infrastructure projects like this, and the pandemic has been an exceptional challenge. WDBA is working with its Private Partner, BNA, regarding any pandemic impacts and schedule-recovery measures but it is premature to predict potential impacts to schedule with any certainty at this time. The onus is on the Private Partner to maintain the schedule and the P3 contract contains clear provisions to determine responsibility for unforeseen events.
The Project is significantly benefiting local communities through its comprehensive Community Benefits Plan, which includes the Workforce Development and Participation Strategy, comprised of employment, training, and educational opportunities, along with a Neighbourhood Infrastructure strategy contributing to aesthetic and functional improvements to local communities in Windsor and Detroit. The Community Benefits Plan also includes opportunities to celebrate the region's history, including the history of the Black community. On February 1, 2023, WDBA announced $2.3 million of funding in 11 new projects and six existing initiatives as part of the $20 million Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy. To date, over 7,900 individuals have been oriented to the project in Canada and the United States (42% local to Windsor and Detroit) and over 240 local businesses have been engaged on the project.

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

Issue / Question

Results of the OAG Special Examination of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

Suggested Response

We thank the Office of the Auditor General for its performance audit of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's management practices and will work with the WDBA to implement the report's recommendations.
The OAG found that the WDBA maintained its systems and practices in a manner that provides reasonable assurance under the Financial Administration Act.
The OAG identified areas for improvement and a deficiency in the systems and practices that support oversight by the Board. The WDBA is implementing an action plan to address these issues and we have confidence that they will continue to evolve and make improvements to respond to the OAG's findings.

If pressed:

Appointments: During the period of the OAG Special Exam there were no vacancies on WDBA's Board. The Government appointed a new Chair in December 2021 and recently appointed three new directors and will ensure that the Board has the right mix of skills moving forward.
Board Oversight: The Board and the new Chair are working with WDBA to strengthen its monitoring and reporting on the Corporation in support of board oversight.
Executive Turnover: WDBA is reviewing its recruitment practices and retention strategies to ensure it is well positioned as it prepares for the transition to operations.

Background

The Financial Administration Act (FAA) requires that Crown corporations undergo a special examination by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) at least once every 10 years. With October 9, 2022 marking the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), the OAG completed its special examination report that was tabled in Parliament by the Auditor General in November 2022.
The examination aimed to identify any significant deficiencies in WDBA systems. It also set out to confirm that said systems are adequately securing and safeguarding government assets from potential risks. The OAG's report concluded that WDBA had managed its operations well and is maintaining its systems and practices in a manner that provides reasonable assurance pursuant to Section 138 of the FAA. The report also recommended areas for improvement, the culmination of which resulted in the OAG identifying a deficiency in Board oversight, which the WDBA is responding to.
The OAG identified areas for improvement in the following systems and practices.
- Information sharing by WDBA with its Board, in particular in the areas of performance measurement, risk management and appointments and remuneration within the Corporation;
- Delays in appointing replacements or reappointing directors whose terms have expired on the Board;
- Concerns over how the organization handles information and manages change – in particular, the OAG remarked that WDBA uses software provided by the Owner's Engineer that does not sufficiently guarantee the security and integrity of project data;
- Issues with capacity within the organization due to turnover within the executive ranks, and how this could negatively impact continuity and cohesion, and the ability to plan for operations;
- A significant deficiency in board oversight as a result of these weaknesses.
In their examination, the OAG provided recommendations for improvements and WDBA is developing an action plan that is currently being implemented and will be made public in the coming months.
Delays in Board appointments were identified as a weakness as there were some directors with expired terms. However, there were no vacant positions at the time of the special examination as directors with expired terms had agreed to serve until successors were appointed. In December 2021, a new Chairperson, Tim Murphy, was appointed, and more recently, three new directors were appointed, including Tim Smith, Helga Reidel and Jeff Allsop, to support board oversight. [redacted]

Financial Information

2022-23 Supplementary Estimates (C)

Issue / Question

What is Infrastructure Canada (INFC) seeking in the 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates (C)?

Suggested Response

Infrastructure Canada (INFC) remains committed to delivering $9.4 billion of funding for an unprecedented level of programming for public transit, green, rural and northern infrastructure projects across the country.
Through the 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates C, INFC is seeking a net increase of $7.7 million.
INFC is requesting:
- $7.3 million in contribution funding for the P3 Canada Fund. Unused funds in 2021-22 were made available in 2022-23 to support the delivery of approved and ongoing projects.
- $943,702 in operating funding from Employment and Social Development Canada to support the Reaching Home Results Reporting Online platform.
These increases are offset by a transfer of operating funding of $510,000 to The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated for the inspection mandate of the Quebec Bridge.

Background

Infrastructure Canada (INFC) is seeking a net increase in funding of $7.7 million through the 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates C for the following:

Increase of $7.3 million for the P3 Canada Fund program
- Unused funds of $7.3 million from 2021-22 were made available in 2022-23 to meet existing obligations under the P3 Canada Fund for the Ticho All Season Road project which reached substantial completion in November 2021 and for which the final claim was expected by March 31, 2023.
- Following the dissolution of PPP Canada, INFC took over the legal responsibility to continue managing the agreements prior to the dissolution through novation of 24 financial agreements to INFC. To this date, only two projects remain active.
Increase of $943,702 transferred from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for the Reaching Home program
- Operating funding of $943,702 transferred from ESDC to support the Reaching Home Results Reporting Online platform. This platform is used to collect information and annual results of projects funded under the Reaching Home program from communities and for departmental program performance reporting.
- While the program was transferred to INFC in October 2021, ESDC continued work already initiated on the project during fiscal year 2021-22 as per the Memorandum of Understanding between both organizations. The initial transfer of funds excluded funding for this project as costs were not yet determined therefore, it was agreed that a transfer through Supplementary Estimates would be made.
Decrease of $510,000 in operating funding transferred to The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI)
- Operating funding of $510,000 transferred to The JCCBI for the inspection mandate of the Quebec Bridge, to assist INFC as a subject matter expert in performing due diligence work towards the potential transfer of ownership of the Quebec Bridge to the Government of Canada.

2023-24 Main Estimates – INFC

Issue / Question

What is Infrastructure Canada (INFC) seeking in the 2023-24 Main Estimates?

Suggested Response

Infrastructure Canada (INFC) is seeking $9.6 billion in the 2023-24 Main Estimates to support the department's commitment to invest in infrastructure that helps build strong communities, fight climate change and grow the economy. Working closely with provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous partners, INFC will continue to deliver results that improve the quality of life of all Canadians.
The majority of the funding will support projects delivered through 22 programs such as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the Permanent Public Transit Program, and the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF).
An increase of $294.5 million from the previous year's Main Estimates is primarily attributable to new programs ramping up and the ICIP reaching unprecedented levels, offset by legacy programs winding down. In addition, an increase in Capital Expenditures tied to the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor project can be observed as well as an increase in statutory funding for the CCBF.

Background

The Main Estimates process is the means to access funding for the upcoming fiscal year for initiatives approved up to January 2023, to support the Government of Canada's priorities. It identifies the spending authorities (votes) and the amounts to be included in subsequent appropriation bills that Parliament will be asked to approve to enable the government to proceed with its spending plans.
Infrastructure Canada (INFC) is seeking an increase of $294.5 million in the 2023‑24 Main Estimates compared to the previous year. The increase is explained as follows:
- A net increase of $111.0 million in Grants and Contributions funds primarily related to:
  - Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (increase of $1,093.9 million);
  - Permanent Public Transit Program (increase of $395.8 million in contributions);
  - New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional projects and Small Communities Fund (decrease of $613.9 million);
  - Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (decrease of $376.2 million);
  - Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (decrease of $137.8 million); and,
  - Other fluctuations in existing programs (decrease of $250.8 million).
- Increase of $98.6 million in Statutory funds related to the indexing of the Canada Community-Building Fund.
- Increase of $80.1 million in Capital Expenditures [redacted]
- Increase of $4.8 million in Operating Expenditures tied to new programs announced through Budget 2022 to deliver ventilation projects, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative and provide support and oversight in the procurement process for the High Frequency Rail project.
To ensure that departments have sufficient spending authority until such time as the Main Estimates receive Royal Assent in June 2023, interim supplies are provided for the first quarter of the year. INFC is seeking the standard 25% for grants and contributions, operating, and capital funding.

2023-24 Main Estimates – JCCBI

Issue / Question

The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) is seeking $144.1 million in the 2023-24 Main Estimates, a 49% decrease compared to last year ($280.0 million).

Suggested Response

The decrease in funding is primarily attributable to The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) nearing completion of major infrastructure projects such as the deconstruction of the original Champlain Bridge, and new projects waiting funding approval for the 2023-28 planning period.
Funding will ensure The JCCBI has the appropriate resources to manage, operate and maintain the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Champlain Bridge Ice Control Structure, the Nuns' Island Bypass Bridge, for which deconstruction began in 2022, the Melocheville Tunnel and the federal sections of the Honoré Mercier Bridge and of the Bonaventure Expressway.
The funding will also enable The JCCBI to complete the deconstruction of the original Champlain Bridge.

Background

The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc. (JCCBI) is a Crown corporation that is mandated to manage, operate and maintain the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Champlain Bridge Ice Control Structure, the Nuns' Island Bypass Bridge, the Melocheville Tunnel, the federal sections of the Honoré Mercier Bridge and Bonaventure Expressway, to deconstruct the original Champlain Bridge and to provide a safe and efficient public transport system.
Significant progress has been made on the deconstruction of the original Champlain Bridge. The deconstruction is now over 5o% complete and continues to be on time and on budget. The other four components of the deconstruction project, which include: environmental measures; material reuse; research and development; and shoreline redevelopment (referred to as "Héritage Champlain"), are all advancing well. The deconstruction of the bridge itself is expected to be completed in January 2024, while the shoreline redevelopment will begin after deconstruction, and is planned to be completed in 2025.
The JCCBI is working with the City of Montréal to advance planning on the Bonaventure Expressway Project.
The JCCBI is seeking $144.1 million in the 2023-24 Main Estimates ($113.1 million for operating budget and $31.0 million for capital budget), a 49% decrease compared to last year ($280.0 million in 2022-23). The decrease in funding is attributable to The JCCBI nearing completion of major infrastructure projects, and new projects waiting funding approval for the 2023-28 planning period.
The JCCBI plans to spend $144.1 million in 2023-2024 on the continuation of the deconstruction of the original Champlain Bridge and the operation and maintenance of the other structures under its responsibility, namely, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Champlain Bridge Ice Control Structure, the Melocheville Tunnel, the Nuns' Island Bypass Bridge and its eventual deconstruction, as well as the federal sections of the Honoré-Mercier Bridge and the Bonaventure Expressway.

2023-24 Main Estimates – WDBA

Issue / Question

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is seeking $885.2 million in the 2023-24 Main Estimates, an 8% decrease ($76.6 million) compared to last year ($961.8 million).

Suggested Response

The decrease in funding can be attributed to a revision of forecasting based on past experience, a decrease in the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) salaries and benefits spending as a result of staff changes, and fluctuations in construction progress payments.
Construction continues to progress on all four components of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, which includes the Canada and United States ports of entry, the bridge, and improvements to Michigan's Interstate-75.
The $885.2 million sought in the Main Estimates will cover planned construction progress payments to the private partner, as well as WDBA operational requirements.
The WDBA's planned construction progress payments for 2023-24 have been revised compared to the previous year to account for adjustments to the construction schedule.

Background

The WDBA is an appropriated Crown corporation mandated with delivering the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership (P3) arrangement under a $5.7 billion fixed-priced contract with Bridging North America (BNA).
The project is in the fourth year of the design-build phase, with construction continuing on all four of the project components that include the Canadian and American Ports of Entry, the Bridge, and the Michigan Interchange (United States Port of Entry to Interstate-75). Bridge towers on both sides of the border are over 570 feet high with the first cables installed on the American side and work on the bridge deck underway.
The WDBA is seeking $885.2 million through the 2023-24 Main Estimates including $199.8 million for its operating budget and $685.4 million for its capital budget. The WDBA's actual spending in 2022-23 is trending lower than the planned 2022-23 budget of $961.8 million, and therefore, revisions were made to the forecasting assumptions based on past experience. In addition, the forecasted costs for 2023-24 are lower than the previous year due to staffing changes, as well as fluctuations in progress payments to account for adjustments to the construction schedule.

2023-24 Departmental Plan

Issue / Question

The 2023-24 Departmental Plan was tabled in Parliament on March 9, 2023.

Suggested Response

The Departmental Plan outlines our work with all orders of government, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to invest in infrastructure that helps build accessible and resilient communities, fight climate change, and grow the economy.
Infrastructure Canada (INFC) plans to spend $9.64 billion in 2023-24 to support the economy, create jobs, and improve the lives of Canadians.
INFC will meet various community needs and foster more inclusive and sustainable communities by:
- Supporting efforts to prevent and reduce chronic homelessness;
- Continuing permanent public transit funding;
- Continuing work to support core municipal and green infrastructure.

Background

Infrastructure Canada's 2023-24 Departmental Plan lays out the department's work over the next year to boost the economy and create jobs, strive towards a cleaner and healthier environment, and support more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable communities that meet the diverse needs of all Canadians and improve quality of life.
To help communities better prepare and withstand the impacts of climate events, as part of Canada's National Adaptation Strategy, the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan is providing additional support through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Further, it will advance several initiatives including open-access climate toolkits, resilience requirements for funding programs, and guidance, standards, and codes for climate resilient and low-carbon infrastructure, using the same channels.
Additionally, the department is working to ensure Canadians have resilient, climate-smart, accessible, and inclusive public infrastructure. As such, INFC is investing in green and inclusive community buildings, clean power and sustainable water and wastewater solutions. In 2023-24, INFC is continuing to support retrofits of existing and the construction of new community buildings and outdoor facilities, to ensure Canadians are able to gather safely in their communities, including in rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
The department will also foster inclusion for all Canadians in communities and take measured steps to respond to the homelessness crisis. Under Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy and the new Veteran Homelessness Program, INFC will continue to support Canadians, including veterans and Indigenous communities, to accelerate the Government of Canada's commitment to end chronic homelessness.
Another key part of making communities inclusive and sustainable and driving economic growth is through permanent funding for public transit to provide reliable and accessible public transit options for Canadians. Continued funding through the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Active Transportation Fund and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, allow INFC to support sustainable transit and help municipalities and transit authorities with predictable, long-term planning. Our transit investments will encourage the alignment of transit and housing in communities that will improve the line of sight on our investment priorities and continue providing people with cleaner and more affordable access to jobs, services and recreation, and supporting housing priorities.
INFC will work in close collaboration with other federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to continue progressing on shared priorities to make investments and build strong partnerships toward a resilient and inclusive economic future while advancing reconciliation.

Report a problem on this page

Please select all that apply:

Something is broken

The page has spelling or grammar mistakes

The information is wrong

The information is outdated

I can’t find what I’m looking for

Other

Date modified:: 2023-08-16