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Integrated Bilateral Agreement (for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program)
Canada - Alberta

Please note that the information presented here is a reproduction of the integrated bilateral agreement. In the event of any discrepancies, the signed document defines the terms of agreement.

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This Agreement is made as of the date of last signature

BETWEEN:

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA, as represented by the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs (hereinafter "Canada")

AND:

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF ALBERTA, as represented by the Minister of Infrastructure (hereinafter "Alberta")

individually referred to as a "Party" and collectively referred to as the "Parties".

WHEREAS the Government of Canada announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 over $180 billion for the Investing in Canada Plan to support sustainable and inclusive communities, while driving economic growth;

WHEREAS the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs is responsible for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and wishes to provide financial support to Alberta for Projects under this Agreement;

AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada proposes to deliver up to a maximum of $3,397,857,039 to Alberta in four key areas: public transit; green infrastructure; community, culture and recreation infrastructure; and rural and northern communities infrastructure.

WHEREAS the Government of Canada has made a commitment to renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership, where all mandate letters from the Prime Minister highlight the Government of Canada's commitment to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples.

NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

1 INTERPRETATION AA

1.1 DEFINITIONS

In addition to the terms and conditions defined in the recitals and elsewhere in this Agreement, a capitalized term has the meaning given to it in this section.

"Administrative Expenses" means costs Incurred by Alberta related to implementing this Agreement, including costs for incremental staff needed to deliver the Program, conduct Program intakes, review project applications, announce Projects, install signage, develop the Alberta infrastructure plan, develop information technology systems and undertake reporting.

"Agreement" means this integrated bilateral agreement and all its schedules, as may be amended from time to time.

"Agreement End Date" means March 31st, 2028.

"Asset" means any real or personal property, or immovable or movable asset, acquired, purchased, constructed, rehabilitated or improved, in whole or in part, with contribution funding provided by Canada under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

"Asset Disposal Period" means the period ending five (5) years after a Project is Substantially Completed.

"Communications Activity" or "Communications Activities" means, but is not limited to, public or media events or ceremonies including key milestone events, news releases, reports, web and social media products or postings, blogs, news conferences, public notices, physical and digital signs, publications, success stories and vignettes, photos, videos, multi-media content, advertising campaigns, awareness campaigns, editorials, multi-media products and all related communication materials under this Agreement.

"Contract" means an agreement between an Ultimate Recipient and a Third Party whereby the latter agrees to supply a product or service to a Project in return for financial consideration.

"Eligible Expenditures" mean those costs Incurred and eligible for payment by Canada as set out in section A.1 c) (Eligible Expenditures).

"Fiscal Year" means the period beginning on April 1st of a calendar year and ending on March 31st of the following calendar year.

"Incurred" means an event or transaction has taken place for which an obligation to pay exists, even if an invoice has not been received, such that the underlying evidence indicates there is little or no discretion to avoid the obligation. The value of the obligation is to be calculated in accordance with recognized Canadian accounting standards.

"Infrastructure Recipient Information System" ("IRIS") means an online portal and case management tool developed by Canada to support section 17 (Information Management).

"Joint Communications" means events, news releases, and signage that relate to this Agreement and are collaboratively developed and approved by Canada, Alberta and, where applicable, the Ultimate Recipient, and are not operational in nature.

"Oversight Committee" means the committee(s) established in accordance with section 7 (Oversight Committee).

"Person" means, without limitation, a person, Alberta, an Ultimate Recipient, a Third Party, a corporation, or any other legal entity, and their officers, servants, employees or agents.

"Program" means the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program as set out in this Agreement.

"Project(s)" means one or more projects submitted by Alberta and approved by Canada pursuant to section 9 (Project Submission, Approval and Changes) and governed by this Agreement.

"Rural Households" means individual dwellings located in communities with a population of under 30,000 people as defined by the 2016 Census.

"Substantial Completion" or "Substantially Completed" means, when referring to a Project, that the Project can be used for the purpose for which it was intended.

"Third Party" means any person or legal entity, other than a Party or Ultimate Recipient, who participates in the implementation of a Project by means of a Contract.

"Total Financial Assistance" means total Project funding from all sources including, but not limited to, funding from federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, band council, and Indigenous government sources; private sources; and in-kind contributions.

"Ultimate Recipient" means an entity identified under section A.1 a) (Ultimate Recipients) that is eligible to receive contribution funding for a Project under this Agreement.

"Ultimate Recipient Agreement" means an agreement between Alberta and an Ultimate Recipient for a Project under this Agreement.

1.2 ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement comprises the entire agreement between the Parties in relation to the subject of the Agreement. No prior document, negotiation, provision, undertaking or agreement has legal effect, unless incorporated by reference into this Agreement. No representation or warranty express, implied or otherwise, is made by either Party except as expressly set out in this Agreement.

1.3 DURATION OF AGREEMENT

This Agreement will be effective as of the date of last signature of this Agreement and will terminate on the Agreement End Date, subject to early termination in accordance with this Agreement.

1.4 SCHEDULES

The following schedules are attached to and form part of this Agreement:

  1. Schedule A - Program Details
  2. Schedule B - Communications Protocol
  3. Schedule C - Targets

2 PURPOSE OF THE AGREEMENT

The purpose of this Agreement is to establish the terms and conditions whereby Canada will provide contribution funding to Alberta for Projects and Administrative Expenses.

3 COMMITMENTS BY CANADA

  1. Canada agrees to provide contribution funding to Alberta under the public transit stream of the Program in a total amount not to exceed two billion ninety-six million five hundred forty-eight thousand two hundred twenty-eight dollars ($2,096,548,228) to be paid in accordance with Schedules A.1 (General Program Requirements) and A.2 (Public Transit).
  2. Canada agrees to provide contribution funding to Alberta under the green infrastructure stream of the Program in a total amount not to exceed one billion one million eighty-two thousand eight hundred seventy-one dollars ($1,001,082,871) to be paid in accordance with Schedules A.1 (General Program Requirements) and A.3 (Green Infrastructure).
  3. Canada agrees to provide contribution funding to Alberta under the community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream of the Program in a total amount not to exceed one hundred forty million five hundred seventy-five thousand one hundred nine dollars ($140,575,109) to be paid in accordance with Schedules A.1 (General Program Requirements) and A.4 (Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure).
  4. Canada agrees to provide contribution funding to Alberta under the rural and northern communities infrastructure stream of the Program in a total amount not to exceed one hundred fifty-nine million six hundred fifty thousand eight hundred thirty-one dollars ($159,650,831) to be paid in accordance with Schedules A.1 (General Program Requirements) and A.5 (Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure).
  5. Canada agrees to provide a portion of Canada's total contribution funding identified in paragraphs a) through d) of this section to Alberta for Administrative Expenses to be paid in accordance with section 16 (Administrative Expenses).
  6. The Parties acknowledge that Canada's role in a Project is limited to confirming that a Project meets Program eligibility requirements, making a financial contribution to Alberta for that Project and that Canada will have no involvement in the implementation of that Project or its operation. Canada is neither a decision-maker nor an administrator of a Project.

4 COMMITMENTS BY ALBERTA

  1. Alberta will be responsible for the complete and timely implementation of this Agreement, within the funding limits and deadlines and in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in this Agreement.
  2. Unless Alberta is the Ultimate Recipient, Alberta will enter into an Ultimate Recipient Agreement with each Ultimate Recipient and ensure that Ultimate Recipient Agreements are consistent with, but are no less favourable to Canada than the relevant provisions of this Agreement. Where Alberta is an Ultimate Recipient, Alberta will be subject to all terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
  3. Alberta will ensure that when Alberta is the Ultimate Recipient, Projects are Substantially Completed by October 31st, 2027. Alberta will obtain a covenant from any other Ultimate Recipient that their projects will be Substantially Complete by October 31st, 2027.
  4. Alberta acknowledges that Canada will not be financially responsible for any ineligible expenditures or cost overruns for a Project.
  5. When Alberta is an Ultimate Recipient, Alberta will be responsible for any costs associated with a withdrawn or cancelled Project, and will repay to Canada any and all disallowed costs, surpluses, unexpended contributions, and overpayments made under and according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. For cancelled Projects where Alberta has or will enter into an Ultimate Recipient Agreement, Alberta will require Ultimate Recipients to repay to Alberta any and all disallowed costs, surpluses, unexpended contributions, and overpayments made under and according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Alberta will repay this amount to Canada.
  6. Alberta will submit to Canada, no later than April 20th each Fiscal Year, the total amount of Eligible Expenditures Incurred by Ultimate Recipients on Projects in the previous Fiscal Year.
  7. Alberta will inform Canada forthwith of any fact or event, of which Alberta becomes aware, that will compromise wholly, or in part, a Project.
  8. Alberta will ensure that the following climate lens assessments are completed to the satisfaction of both Parties and submitted to Canada prior to Canada's approval of a Project, unless otherwise required by Canada:
    1. A greenhouse gas emissions assessment that includes a cost-per-tonne calculation as required by Canada:
      1. for all projects that seek funding under the climate change mitigation sub-stream in Section A.3 (Green Infrastructure) of Schedule A; and
      2. for all other projects with total estimated Eligible Expenditures of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) or more. Canada may, at its discretion, waive this requirement for a Project if Alberta provides an acceptable rationale to the satisfaction of both Parties.
    2. A climate change resilience assessment
      1. for all projects that seek funding under the adaptation, resilience, and disaster mitigation sub-stream in Section A.3 (Green Infrastructure) of Schedule A; and
      2. for all other projects with total estimated Eligible Expenditures of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) or more. Canada may, at its discretion, waive this requirement for a Project if Alberta provides an acceptable rationale to the satisfaction of both Parties.
  9. Alberta will ensure that all Projects with total estimated Eligible Expenditures of twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) or more, will report on community employment benefits provided to at least three (3) of the federal target groups (apprentices, Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, youth, new Canadians, or small- medium-sized enterprises and social enterprises). Canada may, at its discretion, waive this requirement for a Project if Alberta provides an acceptable rationale to the satisfaction of both Parties, which will be made public by Canada.
  10. Alberta agrees to contribute a minimum of 33.33% of Eligible Expenditures to each Project funded under the green infrastructure; community, culture and recreation infrastructure; and rural and northern communities infrastructure streams where the Ultimate Recipient is a municipal government as described in section A.1 a) (Ultimate Recipients).
    1. For the public transit stream, Alberta agrees to provide a total funding contribution that is no less than 33.33% of total Eligible Expenditures of the sum of Projects funded where the Ultimate Recipient is a municipal government as described in section A.1 a) (Ultimate Recipients).
  11. Alberta will allocate a minimum of twenty-one million five hundred thirty-seven thousand seven hundred eighty-two dollars ($21,537,782) from the community, culture and recreation infrastructure contribution funding allocation under paragraph c) of section 3 (Commitments by Canada) to Projects for the benefit of Indigenous peoples not living on reserve.
  12. Over the term of this Agreement, Alberta will ensure that contribution funding received under this Agreement does not displace Alberta infrastructure spending on each of the asset classes funded through the Program. Canada recognizes that provincial funding levels for capital infrastructure may change from year to year. Alberta retains the right to set provincial spending priorities and funding levels on an annual basis. Furthermore, the allocation of funds from existing funding envelopes to projects will not constitute the displacement of funds.
  13. Further to the Ultimate Recipient Agreement, Alberta will obtain a covenant from any Ultimate Recipient that contribution funding received under this Agreement does not displace municipal spending on public transit.
  14. Alberta will ensure that projects submitted for Canada's approval represent, to the satisfaction of both Parties, a balance of municipal and provincial projects.
  15. Alberta will consider projects benefitting Indigenous peoples for contribution funding under this Agreement.
  16. Alberta will submit for Canada's review and approval all projects to be considered for contribution funding under this Agreement by March 31st, 2025.

5 APPROPRIATIONS

  1. Notwithstanding Canada’s obligation to make any payment under this Agreement, this obligation does not arise if, at the time when a payment under this Agreement becomes due, the Parliament of Canada has not passed an appropriation that is sufficient and constitutes lawful authority for making the payment. Canada may reduce or terminate any payment under this Agreement in response to the reduction of appropriations or departmental funding levels in respect of transfer payments, the Program under which this Agreement was made or otherwise, as evidenced by any appropriation act or the federal Crown's main or supplementary estimates expenditures. Canada will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, exemplary or punitive damages, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, arising from any such reduction or termination of funding.
  2. Canada acknowledges that any contribution to a Project by Alberta is subject to an appropriation by the Alberta Legislature. Alberta may be required to reduce or terminate one or more of its contribution programs relating to its Portfolio components under this Agreement in response to the reduction of appropriations or departmental funding levels in respect of transfer payments, as evidenced by any appropriation act or the provincial Crown’s main or supplementary estimates expenditures. Should such a reduction or termination occur, Alberta shall notify Canada and inform the Agreement Oversight Committee within twenty (20) business days of an appropriation decision and outline to Canada the anticipated impact of the reduction or termination of the contribution program.

6 FISCAL YEAR BUDGETING

  1. The amount of contribution funding payable by Canada each Fiscal Year is set out in sections A.2 b) i, A.3 b) i, A.4 b) i and A.5 b) i of Schedule A (Program Details).
  2. If the actual amount payable by Canada in respect of any Fiscal Year is less than the estimated maximum amounts in sections A.2 b) i, A.3 b) i, A.4 b) i and A.5 b) i of Schedule A (Program Details), Alberta may request that Canada re-allocate the difference between the two amounts to a subsequent Fiscal Year. Subject to section 5 (Appropriations), Canada agrees to make reasonable efforts to accommodate Alberta’s request. Alberta acknowledges that requests for re-allocation of Canada’s contribution funding to a Project will require appropriation adjustments or federal Crown approvals.
  3. In the event that any requested re-allocation of Canada’s contribution funding to a Project is not approved, the amount of Canada’s contribution payable in accordance with section 3 (Commitments by Canada) may be reduced by the amount of the requested re-allocation. If the contribution payable by Canada in accordance with section 3 (Commitments by Canada) is so reduced, the Parties agree to review the effects of such reduction on the overall implementation of the Project and to adjust the terms and conditions of this Agreement as appropriate.

7 OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

  1. Within sixty (60) business days of the date of last signature of this Agreement, the Parties will establish one or more Oversight Committee(s) co-chaired by representatives of Canada and Alberta. Membership will be agreed to by the Parties. The Oversight Committee(s), which will meet semi-annually at a minimum, will:
    1. monitor compliance of the implementation of this Agreement with the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
    2. act as a forum to resolve potential issues and address concerns;
    3. review and, as necessary, recommend to the Parties amendments to the Agreement;
    4. monitor the implementation of Schedule B (Communications Protocol);
    5. approve and ensure audit plans, which contain a minimum of two (2) audits conducted by a third party auditor at Canada’s expense, are carried out to the satisfaction of both Parties;  
    6. monitor the implementation of the Alberta infrastructure plan described in section 8 (Alberta Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Infrastructure Plan) and progress towards achieving the targets outlined in Schedule C (Targets);
    7. Discuss and establish baselines for targets, as applicable, to the satisfaction of both Parties;
    8. monitor Project risk and mitigation measures; and
    9. attend to any other function required by this Agreement or as mutually directed by the Parties.
  2. Alberta will communicate to Ultimate Recipients any deficiencies and/or corrective actions identified by Canada or by the Oversight Committee.

8 ALBERTA INVESTING IN CANADA INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

  1. Alberta will submit to Canada by September 30th, 2018 and will update and re-submit to Canada annually by May 31st an infrastructure plan, to the satisfaction of both Parties, that includes:
    1. A section that describes Alberta’s approach and priorities for the Program, including, but not limited to, Alberta’s plans and approaches for meeting the commitments in Schedule C (Targets); Alberta’s approach for meeting the commitments in paragraphs n) and o) of section 4 (Commitments by Alberta) to ensure that a balance of municipal and provincial projects are submitted for Canada’s approval and that projects supporting Indigenous peoples are considered for contribution funding under this Agreement; and Alberta’s approach to developing aspirational targets for community employment benefits provided to federal target groups (apprentices, Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, youth, new Canadians, or small-medium-sized enterprises and social enterprises);
    2. A section identifying projects that Alberta intends to submit for approval by Canada for contribution funding under this Agreement, including projects that are ready to be submitted to Canada or that Alberta may submit to Canada in the future; and
    3. For all updated infrastructure plans, information on accomplishments in the previous Fiscal Year.
  2. Alberta may update the information required under paragraph a) ii) in this section at any time.
  3. All infrastructure plans submitted to Canada will cover a minimum period of the current Fiscal Year and the next two (2) Fiscal Years, up to the Agreement End Date.
  4. All infrastructure plans will include an attestation in a format acceptable to both Parties and from an authorized official from Alberta that contribution funding received from Canada under this Agreement will not displace infrastructure spending and that it has received a covenant from any municipality receiving funding that the funding pursuant to any Ultimate Recipient in accordance with paragraphs l) and m) in section 4 (Commitments by Alberta).
  5. Alberta will provide, at Canada’s request and to the satisfaction of both Parties, additional information related to any Alberta infrastructure plan.
  6. The submission of any Alberta infrastructure plan to the satisfaction of both Parties does not constitute approval of projects by Canada under this Agreement and does not prohibit Alberta from submitting projects for approval by Canada in accordance with section 9.1 (Project Submission and Approval) that are not included on a submitted infrastructure plan.

9 PROJECT SUBMISSION, APPROVAL AND CHANGES

9.1 PROJECT SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL

  1. Alberta will be responsible for identifying and prioritizing eligible projects through engagement with stakeholders, and submitting eligible projects to Canada for approval.
  2. Within the green infrastructure stream, Alberta will prioritize, to the satisfaction of both Parties, the submission of eligible projects for Canada’s approval that support the key actions that are identified as part of Alberta’s commitments under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
  3. Alberta will provide all information required by Canada, to the satisfaction of both Parties, for each project submitted by Alberta for contribution funding under this Agreement, including but not limited to:
    1. when applicable, as determined by Canada, the target to which the project is aligned as outlined in Schedule C (Targets); and
    2. expected results for community employment benefits for all projects to which the community employment benefit reporting requirement outlined in paragraph i) of section 4 (Commitments by Alberta) applies; and
    3. when applicable, as determined by Canada, climate lens assessments.
  4. Alberta will provide, at Canada’s request and to the satisfaction of both Parties, additional information related to projects submitted for approval.
  5. Alberta’s submission of a project to Canada for approval is Alberta’s agreement that, once the Project is approved by Canada for contribution funding, the Project is governed by this Agreement.
  6. Canada’s approval of a Project for contribution funding under this Agreement is Canada’s agreement that the Project is governed by this Agreement.
  7. Canada will inform Alberta in writing once Projects have been approved or rejected.
  8. For every Project, Canada will set a maximum on Canada’s contribution funding in dollars and as a percentage of total Eligible Expenditures.
  9. Upon becoming aware, Alberta will promptly inform Canada of any cancelled or withdrawn Projects.

9.2 CHANGES TO A PROJECT

  1. Alberta agrees that any material changes to a Project, will require Canada’s approval, which may be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. When seeking to make a change to a Project, Alberta will promptly submit updated Project information.
  2. Alberta will provide, at Canada’s request, and to the satisfaction of both Parties, additional information related to changes to a Project.

10 FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECTS

In addition to the requirements for eligible Projects as set out in Schedule A (Program Details), eligible Projects must also meet the following requirements:

  1. A Project must meet or exceed any applicable energy efficiency standards for buildings outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
  2. A Project must meet or exceed the requirement of the highest published accessibility standard in a jurisdiction, in addition to applicable provincial building codes and relevant municipal by-laws.

11 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

If the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) or other applicable environmental legislation that is or may come into force applies, no site preparation, vegetation removal or construction will occur and Canada will not reimburse Eligible Expenditures for any site preparation, vegetation removal or construction for a Project, until satisfied that requirements are met and continue to be met.

12 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION

  1. No construction will occur for a Project and Canada’s funding for a Project is conditional upon Canada’s obligations, if any, to consult Aboriginal Peoples with respect to adverse impacts of the Project on Aboriginal groups, including, where appropriate, the accommodation of Aboriginal concerns, being met and continuing to be met.
  2. Alberta and Canada will each be responsible for determining and advising the other Party whether or not it has a legal duty to consult Aboriginal Peoples with respect to a Project and for each determining if their own obligations have been met or continue to be met.
  3. In order to assist Canada in meeting its own obligations to consult, if any, Ultimate Recipients or Alberta will provide to Canada, upon request, a summary of consultation that has occurred with Aboriginal groups, including the Aboriginal group’s position, concerns and indication of how the concerns were addressed.  Where Canada may have an obligation to consult, at Canada’s request, the Ultimate Recipient will undertake the procedural aspects of consultation and implement measures to accommodate an Aboriginal group’s concerns as appropriate, and these costs may be considered Eligible Expenditures as set out in section A .1 c) (Eligible Expenditures).

13 AWARDING OF CONTRACTS

  1. Alberta will ensure that Ultimate Recipient Agreements contain a requirement that Contracts will be awarded in a way that is fair, transparent, competitive and consistent with value-for-money principles, or in a manner otherwise acceptable to Canada, and if applicable, in accordance with the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and international trade agreements.
  2. Where Alberta is the Ultimate Recipient, contracts will be awarded in a way that is fair, transparent, competitive and consistent with value-for-money principles, or in a manner otherwise acceptable to Canada, and if applicable, in accordance with the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and international trade agreements.
  3. Canada may provide exemptions from competitive awarding of contracts on a case-by-case basis, where Alberta or the Ultimate Recipients must:
      1. Provide written request noting business case rationale in advance of the contract being awarded;
      2. Provide consultant/contractor quote for market-value;
      3. Attest to i) following value-for-money procurement processes for materials and sub-contracts; and ii) following own policies and procedures.

14 REPORTING

  1. Alberta will submit to Canada, no later than May 31st and November 30th of each Fiscal Year, a Project progress report to the satisfaction of both Parties that includes all projects except:
    1. Projects where an Ultimate Recipient is a community with a population of less than five thousand (5,000) people, which will be included in the Project progress report submitted to Canada, no later than November 30th each Fiscal Year.
  2. Each Project progress report will include an attestation in a format to the satisfaction of both Parties, from a delegated official, that the information in the report is accurate:
    1. Canada’s contribution funding to the Project by Fiscal Year;
    2. Construction start and end dates (forecasted/actual);
    3. Progress tracker (e.g. percent of Project completed);
    4. Risks and mitigation strategies, as required;
    5. Confirmation that the Project is on track to achieve expected results, or if Substantially Completed, confirmation of actual results; and
    6. Confirmation of installed Project signage, if applicable.
  3. Alberta will report annually, no later than November 30th, through the Project progress report, or through existing provincial reporting frameworks, on expected and actual results related to community employment benefits for applicable Projects.
  4. Alberta will complete all reporting requirements as defined under paragraphs a), b) and c) in this section for all Projects to the satisfaction of both Parties no later than December 31st, 2027.
  5. Alberta agrees and will ensure that Canada may use the information submitted by Alberta under this section to publicly report on Program results. Canada agrees to inform Alberta prior to publicly reporting on results.

15 CLAIMS AND PAYMENTS

15.1 CLAIMS AND PAYMENTS

  1. Alberta will submit a claim to Canada covering Eligible Expenditures on a semi-annual basis, at a minimum, with a mutually-agreed upon format. Each claim will include an attestation in a format acceptable to both Parties, from authorized officials, that Eligible Expenditures have been Incurred in accordance with this Agreement and Alberta is in compliance with progress reporting requirements as described in section 14 (Reporting).
  2. Alberta will submit a final claim to Canada covering Eligible Expenditures no later than December 31st, 2027 to the satisfaction of both Parties.
  3. Canada will make a payment to Alberta promptly upon review and acceptance of a claim, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

15.2 PAYMENT CONDITIONS

Canada will not:

  1. pay interest for failing to make a payment under this Agreement;
  2. pay capital costs for a Project until the requirements under section 11 (Environmental Assessment) and section 12 (Aboriginal Consultation), if applicable, are, in Canada’s opinion, satisfied to the extent possible at the date the claim is submitted to Canada; and
  3. pay any claims until requirements under section 8 (Alberta Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Infrastructure Plan) 14 (Reporting) are received and accepted by Canada and any audit requirements in section 18 (Audit) and any requirements outlined in Schedule B (Communications Protocol) are met.

15.3 CLAIMS AND FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE

  1. Alberta will submit claims no later than March 31st of the year following the Fiscal Year in which the Eligible Expenditures were Incurred;
  2. Canada will make the final payment no later than March 31st, 2028.

15.4 RETENTION OF CONTRIBUTION

Canada will retain a maximum of five percent (5%) of its contribution funding under this Agreement. The amount retained by Canada will be released by Canada when:

  1. Alberta fulfils all of its obligations under this Agreement;
  2. Alberta submits an attestation, from a delegated official and in a format acceptable to both Parties, that all Projects have been Substantially Completed and contribution funding under this Agreement has been spent on Eligible Expenditures; and;
  3. the Parties jointly carry out a final reconciliation of all claims and payments in respect of this Agreement and make any required adjustments.

16 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

  1. Alberta may apply part of its allocation under this Agreement to Administrative Expenses as outlined in section A.1 c) (Eligible Expenditures).
  2. Approved Administrative Expenses will be determined by Canada based on the review and approval by Canada of a detailed business case, which must be submitted by Alberta by May 31st, 2018, or a revised business case, where required, which must be submitted by May 31st every third Fiscal Year thereafter, where required.
  3. Alberta will apply an equal percentage of contribution funding, as approved by Canada, from each stream as identified in paragraphs a) through d) of section 3 (Commitments by Canada) to total Administrative Expenses.

17 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

  1. Alberta will use IRIS, or another process designated by Canada and agreed to by the Oversight Committee, to fulfill the obligations of Alberta under this Agreement, including but not limited to the following:
    1. section 8 (Alberta Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Infrastructure Plan);
    2. section 9 (Project Submission, Approval and Changes);
    3. section 14 (Reporting); and
    4. section 15 (Claims and Payments).

18 AUDIT

  1. Alberta agrees to inform Canada of any audit that has been conducted on the use of contribution funding under this Agreement at the Project or Program level, provide Canada with all relevant audit reports, and ensure that prompt and timely corrective action is taken in response to any audit findings and recommendations. Alberta will submit to Canada in writing as soon as possible, but no later than sixty (60) days following receiving it, a report on follow-up actions taken to address recommendations and results of the audit.
  2. Canada reserves the right to undertake any audit in relation to this Agreement at its expense. The timing and scope of such audits will be determined in collaboration with Alberta via the Oversight Committee and will be carried out by external independent auditors. In the event where Canada does undertake an audit, it will provide Alberta reasonable notice. Alberta will ensure proper and accurate financial accounts and records are kept, including but not limited to its Contracts, invoices, statements, receipts, and vouchers in respect of all Projects for at least six (6) years after the Agreement End Date.

19 EVALUATION

  1. Alberta agrees to participate in a review of the Program, to be completed by March 31st, 2023, to assess Project achievements in comparison with the targets identified in Schedule C (Targets). Canada agrees to provide advance notice of any planned evaluation.
  2. In addition, Alberta agrees to provide Project-related information to Canada over the term of this Agreement and up to six (6) years after the Agreement End Date in order for Canada to conduct an evaluation of the performance of the Program. All evaluation results will be made available to the public, subject to all applicable laws and policy requirements.

20 ACCESS

Alberta will ensure Canada and its designated representatives will be provided with reasonable and timely access to Project sites, facilities, and any records, documentation or information for the purposes of audit, inspection, monitoring, evaluation, and ensuring compliance with this Agreement.

21 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

  1. The Parties will keep each other informed of any issue that could be contentious.
  2. If a contentious issue arises, the Oversight Committee will examine it and will, in good faith, attempt to resolve the contentious issue as soon as possible, and, in any event, within thirty (30) business days from the receipt of notice of such contentious issue.
  3. Where the Oversight Committee cannot agree on a resolution, the matter shall be referred to senior officials designated by the Parties, for resolution within thirty (30) business days from the receipt of notice.
  4. In the event that the Parties’ senior officials cannot agree on a resolution the matter will be referred to the Ministers responsible for administering the Agreement for resolution. The Ministers shall provide a decision within ninety (90) business days.
  5. Where the Ministers cannot agree on a resolution, the Parties may explore any alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available to them to resolve the contentious issue.
  6. Any payments related to any contentious issue raised by either Party may be suspended by Canada together with the obligations related to such issue, pending resolution.
  7. The Parties agree that nothing in this section will affect, alter or modify the rights of Canada to terminate this Agreement.

22 DEFAULT

22.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT

The following event constitutes the “Event of Default” under this Agreement:

  1. Alberta has not complied with one or more of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

22.2 DECLARATION OF DEFAULT

Canada may declare default if:

  1. The Event of Default occurs;
  2. Canada gives notice to Alberta of the event, which in Canada’s opinion constitutes an Event of Default; and
  3. Alberta has failed, within ninety (90) business days of receipt of the notice, either to remedy the Event of Default or to notify and demonstrate, to the satisfaction of Canada, that it has taken such steps as are necessary to remedy the Event of Default.

22.3 REMEDIES ON DEFAULT

In the event that Canada declares default under section 22.2 (Declaration of Default), Canada may exercise one or more of the following remedies, without limiting any remedy available to it by law:

  1. Suspend or terminate any obligation by Canada to contribute or continue to contribute funding to one or more Projects or Administrative Expenses, including any obligation to pay an amount owing prior to the date of such suspension or termination;
  2. Suspend or terminate the approval of Projects;
  3. Require Alberta to reimburse Canada all or part of the contribution paid by Canada to Alberta; or
  4. Terminate this Agreement.

23 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

23.1 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

  1. In no event will Canada, its officers, servants, employees or agents be held liable for any damages in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, for:
  2. any injury to any Person, including, but not limited to, death, economic loss or infringement of rights;
  3. any damage to or loss or destruction of property of any Person; or  
  4. any obligation of any Person, including, but not limited to, any obligation arising from a loan, capital lease or other long term obligation;
  5. in relation to this Agreement or each of the Projects.

23.2 INDEMNIFICATION

Alberta will at all times indemnify and save harmless Canada, its officers, servants, employees or agents, from and against all actions, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, claims and demands, losses, costs, damages, suits or other proceedings by whomsoever brought or prosecuted in any manner based upon or occasioned by any injury to Persons, damage to or loss or destruction of property, economic loss or infringement of rights caused by, in connection with or arising directly or indirectly from this Agreement, an Ultimate Recipient Agreement or a Project, except to the extent to which such actions, claims, demands, losses, costs, damages, suits or other proceedings relate to the negligence or breach of the Agreement by an officer, servant, employee or agent of Canada in the performance of his or her duties.

24 ASSETS

24.1 DISPOSAL OF ASSETS

  1. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties, Alberta will ensure that the Ultimate Recipient will maintain ongoing operations and will retain title to and ownership of an Asset for the Asset Disposal Period.
  2. If at any time within the Asset Disposal Period, an Ultimate Recipient sells, leases, or otherwise disposes of, directly or indirectly, any Asset purchased, acquired, constructed, rehabilitated or renovated, in whole or in part, under this Agreement, other than to Canada, Alberta, a municipal government as outlined in paragraph ii. a) of section A.1 a) (Ultimate Recipients), or with Canada’s consent, Alberta may be required to reimburse Canada, any federal funding received for the Project.

24.2 REVENUE FROM ASSETS

The Parties acknowledge that Canada’s contribution to a Project is meant to accrue to the public benefit. Alberta will notify Canada in writing within ninety (90) business days of the end of a Fiscal Year if any Asset owned by a for-profit Ultimate Recipient as defined in paragraph ii. d) of section A.1 a) (Ultimate Recipients) is used in such a way that, in the Fiscal Year, revenues are generated from it that exceed its operating expenses. Canada may require Alberta to immediately pay to Canada a portion of the excess in the same proportion as the total cost of the Asset. This obligation will only apply during the Asset Disposal Period, and when it is determined by Canada that the Project no longer meets the requirement of public benefit.

24.3 REPAYABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

At Canada’s request, Alberta shall repay any contribution funding provided by Canada under this Agreement that is intended for an Ultimate Recipient that is a for-profit private sector body where such funding is for the purpose of that Ultimate Recipient generating profits or increasing the value of its business. Any repayment by Alberta will be made in accordance with terms and conditions of repayment as determined by Canada at the time Canada approves a Project.

25 GENERAL

25.1 ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

All accounting terms will have the meanings assigned to them, all calculations will be made and all financial data to be submitted will be prepared, in accordance with the public sector accounting standards in effect in Canada.

25.2 SURVIVAL

The Parties’ rights and obligations, which by their nature, extend beyond the termination of this Agreement, will survive any termination of this Agreement.

25.3 NO AGENCY, PARTNERSHIP, JOINT VENTURE, ETC.

  1. No provision of this Agreement and no action by the Parties will establish or be deemed to establish a partnership, joint venture, principal-agent relationship or employer-employee relationship in any way or for any purpose whatsoever between Canada and Alberta, between Canada and an Ultimate Recipient or between Canada and a Third Party.
  2. Alberta will not represent itself, including in any agreement with an Ultimate Recipient or Third Party, as a partner, employee or agent of Canada.

25.4 NO AUTHORITY TO REPRESENT

Nothing in this Agreement is to be construed as authorizing any Person, including a Third Party, to contract for or to incur any obligation on behalf of Canada or to act as an agent for Canada. Alberta will ensure that any Contract between Alberta or an Ultimate Recipient and any Third Party contains a provision to that effect.

25.5 COUNTERPART SIGNATURE

This Agreement may be signed in counterpart, and the signed copies will, when attached, constitute an original agreement.

25.6 SEVERABILITY

If for any reason a provision of this Agreement that is not a fundamental term of this Agreement between the Parties is found to be or becomes invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and if both Parties agree, it will be deemed to be severable and will be deleted from this Agreement, but all the other terms and conditions of this Agreement will continue to be valid and enforceable.

25.7 ASSIGNMENT

Alberta will not transfer or assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Canada. Any attempt by Alberta to assign any of the rights, duties or obligations of this Agreement without Canada’s express written consent is void.

25.8 AMENDMENTS

This Agreement may be amended from time to time on written agreement of the Parties.

25.9 WAIVER

A Party may waive any of its rights under this Agreement only in writing. Any tolerance or indulgence demonstrated by the Party will not constitute a waiver.

25.10 NOTICE

Any notice provided for under this Agreement may be delivered in person, sent by email or mail, addressed to:

for Canada:

Assistant Deputy Minister
Program Operations Branch
Infrastructure Canada
1100 - 180 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 0B6

or to such other address or email, or addressed to such other person as Canada may, from time to time, designate in writing to Alberta; and

for Alberta:

Assistant Deputy Minister
Corporate Strategies and Services
Alberta Infrastructure,
2nd Floor, Infrastructure Building
6950-113 St, NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5V7

or such other address, email or addressed to such other person as Alberta may, from time to time, designate in writing to Canada.

Such notice will be deemed to have been received, if sent by mail or email, when receipt is acknowledged by the other Party; and in person, when delivered.

25.11 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

Alberta will comply with and ensure that each Project complies with all statutes, regulations, and other applicable laws governing Alberta, the Ultimate Recipient and all Projects under this Agreement, including all requirements of, and conditions imposed by, regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over the subject matter.

25.12 GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement is governed by the laws applicable in the Province of Alberta.

25.13 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

This Agreement is binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

SIGNATURES

This Agreement has been executed on behalf of Canada by the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Alberta by the Minister of Infrastructure.

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA
Original signed by:

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF Alberta
Original signed by:

The Honourable Sandra Jansen,
Minister of Infrastructure

Approved pursuant to the Government Organization Act

Intergovernmental Relations, Executive Council Date

SCHEDULE A - PROGRAM DETAILS

A.1 General Program Requirements

  1. Ultimate Recipients
    1. Alberta may be an Ultimate Recipient and may distribute Canada’s contribution funding to its own Projects, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
    2. Alberta may further distribute Canada’s contribution funding to the following Ultimate Recipients for Projects and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement:
      1. A municipal government established by or under provincial statute;
      2. A public sector body that is established by or under provincial statute or by regulation or is wholly-owned by Alberta, or a municipal government;
      3. When working in collaboration with a municipality, a public or not-for-profit institution that is directly or indirectly authorized, under the terms of provincial or federal statute, or royal charter, to deliver post-secondary courses or programs that lead to recognized and transferable post-secondary credentials;
      4. A private sector body, including for-profit organizations and not-for-profit organizations. In the case of for-profit organizations, they will need to work in collaboration with one or more of the entities referred to above or an Indigenous government listed below; and
      5. The following Indigenous Ultimate Recipients:
        1. A band council within the meaning of section 2 of the Indian Act;
        2. A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government or authority established pursuant to a self-government agreement or a comprehensive land claim agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada and an Indigenous people of Canada, that has been approved, given effect and declared valid by federal legislation;
        3. A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government that is established by or under legislation whether federal or provincial that incorporates a governance structure; and
        4. A not-for-profit organization whose central mandate is to improve Indigenous outcomes, working in collaboration with one or more of the Indigenous entities referred to above, a municipality, or Alberta.
  2. Eligible Projects
    Eligible Projects will support public infrastructure, defined as tangible capital assets primarily for public use and/or benefit.
  3. Eligible Expenditures
    Eligible Expenditures will include the following:
    1. All costs considered by Canada to be direct and necessary for the successful implementation of an eligible Project, excluding those explicitly identified in section A.1 e) (Ineligible Expenditures), and which may include capital costs, design and planning, and costs related to meeting specific Program requirements, including completing climate lens assessments as outlined in paragraph h) of section 4 (Commitments by Alberta) and creating community employment benefit plans;
    2. Alberta’s Administrative Expenses as approved by Canada under section 16 (Administrative Expenses);
    3. The incremental costs of employees of an Ultimate Recipient may be included as Eligible Expenditures for a Project under the following conditions:
    4. The Ultimate Recipient is able to demonstrate that it is not economically feasible to tender a Contract; and
    5. The arrangement is approved in advance and in writing by Canada.
    6. Costs will only be eligible as of Project approval, except for costs associated with completing climate lens assessments as outlined in paragraph h) of section 4 (Commitments by Alberta), which are eligible before Project approval, but can only be paid if and when a Project is approved by Canada for contribution funding under this Agreement.
  4. Ineligible Projects
    Investments in health and education facilities are not eligible for contribution funding under this Agreement, except as otherwise specified in section d) (Ineligible Projects) of Schedule A.4 (Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure) and sections c) (Eligible Project Outcomes) and d) (Ineligible Projects) of Schedule A.5 (Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure).
  5. Ineligible Expenditures
    Ineligible expenditures for Projects will include the following:
    1. Costs Incurred before Project approval, and any and all expenditures related to contracts signed prior to Project approval, except for expenditures associated with completing climate lens assessments as required under paragraph h) of section 4 (Commitments by Alberta);
    2. Costs Incurred for cancelled Projects;
    3. Costs of relocating entire communities;
    4. Land acquisition;
    5. Leasing land, buildings and other facilities; leasing equipment other than equipment directly related to the construction of the Project; real estate fees and related costs;
    6. Any overhead costs, including salaries and other employment benefits of any employees of the Ultimate Recipient, any direct or indirect operating or administrative costs of Ultimate Recipients, and more specifically any costs related to planning, engineering, architecture, supervision, management and other activities normally carried out by the Ultimate Recipient’s staff, except in accordance with paragraph iii. of section A.1 c) (Eligible Expenditures);
    7. Financing charges, legal fees, and loan interest payments, including those related to easements (e.g. surveys);
    8. Any goods and services costs which are received through donations or in kind;
    9. Provincial sales tax, goods and services tax, or harmonized sales tax for which the Ultimate Recipient is eligible for a rebate, and any other costs eligible for rebates;
    10. Costs associated with operating expenses and regularly scheduled maintenance work;
    11. Cost related to furnishing and non-fixed assets which are not essential for the operation of the Asset/Project; and
    12. For applicable projects, all capital costs, including site preparation and construction costs, until Canada has confirmed that environmental assessment and Aboriginal consultation obligations as required under sections 11 (Environmental Assessment) and 12 (Aboriginal Consultation) have been met and continue to be met.

A.2 Public Transit

  1. Objective:

    2. The public transit stream will primarily build new urban transit networks and service extensions that will transform the way that Canadians live, move and work.

  2. Canada’s Contribution
    1. Fiscal Year Breakdown

      2. Canada's total contribution funding for all Projects under the public transit stream will be allocated in accordance with the estimated maximum amounts in the Public Transit Fiscal Year Breakdown Table, as amended through administrative processes:

      Public Transit Fiscal Year Breakdown Table

       

      Canada ($M)

      2018-19

      -

      2019-20

      $113,000,000

      2020-21

      $145,000,000

      2021-22

      $324,000,000

      2022-23

      $404,000,000

      2023-24

      $415,000,000

      2024-25

      $415,000,000

      2025-26

      $280,548,228

      2026-27

      -

      2027-28

      -

      TOTAL

      $2,096,548,228

      *Figures included in the Fiscal Year Breakdown Table are notional and will be updated to reflect funding allocations approved for Projects under this Agreement.

    2. Allocation to Ultimate Recipient
      1. Alberta agrees to allocate Canada's public transit stream contribution funding to each Ultimate Recipient based solely on ridership as set out in the Public Transit Sub-Allocation Table:

        2. Public Transit Sub-Allocation Table

        Ultimate Recipient

        Ridership

        Calgary

        111,225,998

        Airdrie

        212,129

        Bow Valley (Banff - ROAM Transit)

        701,165

        Edmonton

        89,667,417

        Spruce Grove

        87,091

        St. Albert

        1,117,345

        Strathcona County

        1,576,181

        Leduc

        99,768

        Fort Saskatchewan, City of

        28,493

        Grande Prairie

        748,268

        Hinton

        25,707

        Lethbridge

        1,343,015

        Medicine Hat

        1,368,000

        Red Deer

        3,944,906

        Wood Buffalo

        1,828,703

        Cold Lake

        100,900

        Whitecourt

        20,919

        Rocky View District

        21,731
      2. Subject to approval by Canada, and Alberta confirming to Canada the agreement of the affected Ultimate Recipients, the Parties may amend the Public Transit Sub-Allocation Table in paragraph a) in this section, following the review described in paragraph a) of section 19 (Evaluation). Alberta will re-allocate contribution funding to each Ultimate Recipient, as determined by Canada, in accordance with the amended Public Transit Sub-Allocation Table. Alberta will ensure that any applicable Ultimate Recipient Agreements are amended to reflect these funding allocation changes.
      3. Alberta agrees that a maximum of 15% of Canada's public transit allocation amount under paragraph a) of section 3 (Commitments by Canada) may be paid to public transit rehabilitation Projects, unless otherwise approved by Canada.
      4. Subject to approval by Canada and Alberta confirming to Canada the agreement of the affected Ultimate Recipients, Alberta may combine the allocations of Ultimate Recipients based on the Public Transit Sub-Allocation Table, as amended, to facilitate the integration of these Ultimate Recipients' public transit systems.
  3. Eligible Project Outcomes

    4. Projects eligible for public transit stream contribution funding under this Agreement must meet at least one of the outcomes in the Public Transit Outcomes Table.

    Public Transit Outcomes Table

    Improved capacity of public transit infrastructure

    Improved quality and/or safety of existing or future transit systems

    Improved access to a public transit system
  4. Ineligible Projects

    5. When a project meets an outcome in the Public Transit Outcomes Table, it is not eligible for contribution funding under this Agreement if it involves inter-city bus, rail, port or ferry infrastructure that is not part of a public transit system. Public transit is considered to be a distinct mode of transportation conveyance that generally refers to the movement of passengers only within an urban or municipal setting.

  5. Stacking and Cost-Sharing
    1. The maximum funding from all federal sources to a Project that is approved for public transit stream contribution funding under this Agreement will not exceed:
      1. Forty percent (40%) of Eligible Expenditures in Alberta for new construction and expansion of public transit and active transportation that connects citizens to their public transit systems;
      2. Fifty percent (50%) of Eligible Expenditures in Alberta for public transit rehabilitation Projects; or
      3. Twenty-five percent (25%) of Eligible Expenditures for any for-profit private sector Ultimate Recipients notwithstanding a) or b) in this section.
    2. If the federal Crown's total funding towards a Project under the public transit stream exceeds the federal funding limits set out in paragraph i) of this section or if the Total Financial Assistance received or due in respect of the total Project costs exceeds one hundred percent (100%) thereof, Canada may recover the excess from Alberta or reduce its contribution by an amount equal to the excess.
    3. Canada's contribution to all Projects under the public transit stream will not exceed the amount as set out in paragraph a) of section 3 (Commitments by Canada).
  6. Federal Requirements

    7. All Projects that meet an outcome in the Public Transit Outcomes Table must meet the following stream-specific requirement:

    1. Alberta will ensure that public transit Projects and active transportation Projects that connect citizens to a public transit system are consistent with a land-use or transportation plan or strategy, and where applicable, that Projects are consistent with the approved plans of regional transportation bodies.

A.3 Green Infrastructure

  1. Objective

    2. The green infrastructure stream will support greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reductions, enable greater adaptation and resilience to the impacts of climate change and climate-related disaster mitigation, and ensure that more communities can provide clean air and safe drinking water for their citizens. This stream includes the following three sub-streams:

    1. climate change mitigation;
    2. adaptation, resilience, disaster mitigation; and
    3. environmental quality.
  2. Canada's Contribution
    1. Fiscal Year Breakdown

      2. Canada's total contribution funding for all Projects under the green infrastructure stream will be allocated in accordance with the estimated maximum amounts in the Green Infrastructure Fiscal Year Breakdown Table, as amended through administrative processes:

      Green Infrastructure Fiscal Year Breakdown Table

       

      Canada

      2018-19

      $50,054,144

      2019-20

      $50,054,144

      2020-21

      $50,054,144

      2021-22

      $80,086,630

      2022-23

      $100,108,287

      2023-24

      $120,129,945

      2024-25

      $140,151,602

      2025-26

      $140,151,602

      2026-27

      $140,151,602

      2027-28

      $130,140,771

      TOTAL

      $1,001,082,871

      *Figures included in the Fiscal Year Breakdown Table are notional and will be updated to reflect funding allocations approved for Projects under this Agreement.

    2. Allocation to Sub-Streams
      1. Alberta agrees to allocate a minimum of four hundred fifty million, four hundred eighty seven thousand, two hundred ninety-two dollars ($450,487,292) of Canada's allocation under paragraph b) of section 3 (Commitments by Canada) to Projects under the climate change mitigation sub-stream, subject to the provisions in section 16 (Administrative Expenses).
  3. Eligible Project Outcomes

    4. Projects eligible for green infrastructure stream contribution funding under this Agreement must meet at least one of the outcomes in the Green Infrastructure Outcomes Table.

    Green Infrastructure Outcomes Table

    Climate Change Mitigation Outcomes:

    Increased capacity to manage more renewable energy

    Increased access to clean energy transportation

    Increased energy efficiency of buildings

    Increased generation of clean energy

    Adaptation, Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Outcomes:

    Increased structural capacity and/or increased natural capacity to adapt to climate change impacts, natural disasters and/or extreme weather events

    Environmental Quality Outcomes:

    Increased capacity to treat and/or manage wastewater and stormwater

    Increased access to potable water

    Increased capacity to reduce and/or remediate soil and/or air pollutants
  4. Ineligible Projects
    1. When a project meets a climate change mitigation outcome in the Green Infrastructure Outcomes Table, it is not eligible for contribution funding under this Agreement if it:
      1. involves inter-city bus, rail, port and ferry infrastructure that is not part of a public transit system. Public transit is considered to be a distinct mode of transportation conveyance that generally refers to the movement of passengers only within an urban or municipal setting;
      2. is eligible under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund's three priority areas, unless and until the relevant Alberta allocation under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund envelope has been fully committed;;
      3. is an energy retrofit project, unless the energy retrofit project is on an asset that would be considered eligible for funding under this Agreement or under the National Housing Strategy; or
      4. involves emergency services infrastructure.
    2. When a project meets an adaptation, resilience and climate change outcome in the Green Infrastructure Outcomes Table, it is not eligible for contribution funding under this Agreement if it:
      1. relocates whole communities;
      2. involves emergency services infrastructure; or
      3. addresses seismic risks.
  5. Stacking and Cost-Sharing
    1. The maximum funding from all federal sources to a Project that is approved for green infrastructure stream contribution funding under this Agreement will not exceed:
      1. Fifty percent (50%) of Eligible Expenditures for Alberta;
      2. Forty percent (40%) of Eligible Expenditures for municipalities, regional governments and not-for-profit organizations;
      3. Seventy-five percent (75%) of Eligible Expenditures for Indigenous Ultimate Recipients; or
      4. Twenty-five percent (25%) of Eligible Expenditures for any for-profit, private sector Ultimate Recipients, notwithstanding paragraphs a), b) or c) in this section.
    2. The maximum funding to a Project under the green infrastructure stream from all federal sources will not exceed the limits set out in paragraph i) of this section, except for Indigenous Ultimate Recipients, which may access additional funding for a Project up to a maximum of one hundred percent (100%) of Eligible Expenditures from all federal sources, subject to approval by Canada.
    3. If the federal Crown's total funding towards a Project under the green infrastructure stream exceeds the federal funding limits set out in paragraphs i) and ii) of this section, or if the Total Financial Assistance received or due in respect of the total Project costs exceeds one hundred percent (100%) thereof, Canada may recover the excess from Alberta or reduce its contribution by an amount equal to the excess.
    4. Canada's contribution to all Projects under the green infrastructure stream will not exceed the amount as set out in paragraph b) of section 3 (Commitments by Canada).
  6. Federal Requirements
    1. All Projects that meet a climate change mitigation outcome in the Green Infrastructure Outcomes Table must meet the following requirements:
      1. For Projects involving higher order rapid transit, the adoption of vehicles that use a renewable fuel source in a public transit fleet, or active transportation Projects, Alberta will confirm that such Projects are consistent with a land-use or transportation plan or strategy, and where applicable, that Projects are consistent with the approved plans of regional transportation bodies.
    2. All Projects that meet an environmental quality outcome in the Green Infrastructure Outcomes Table must meet the following requirements:
      1. Wastewater Projects must result in wastewater effluent that meets the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations or provincial regulations where there is a federal equivalency agreement in place, where applicable.
      2. Drinking water quality following completion of a drinking water Project must meet or exceed provincial standards.
      3. Solid waste diversion Projects must result in a measurable increase in the quantity of material diverted from disposal as measured against a baseline using the Generally Accepted Principles for Calculating Municipal Solid Waste System Flow.
      4. Projects that reduce or remediate soil pollutants must be undertaken on properties that are contaminated, as confirmed by a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment.

A.4 Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure

  1. Objective

    2. The community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream will build stronger communities and improve social inclusion.

  2. Canada's Contribution
    1. Fiscal Year Breakdown

      2. Canada's total contribution funding for all Projects under the community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream will be allocated in accordance with the estimated maximum amounts in the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Fiscal Year Breakdown Table, as amended through administrative processes:

      Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Fiscal Year Breakdown Table

       

      Canada

      2018-19

      $7,028,755

      2019-20

      $7,028,755

      2020-21

      $7,028,755

      2021-22

      $11,246,009

      2022-23

      $14,057,511

      2023-24

      $16,869,013

      2024-25

      $19,680,515

      2025-26

      $19,680,515

      2026-27

      $19,680,515

      2027-28

      $18,274,766

      2027 – 2028

      $93.7738

      TOTAL

      $140,575,109

      *Figures included in the Fiscal Year Breakdown Table are notional and will be updated to reflect funding allocations approved for Projects under this Agreement.

  3. Eligible Project Outcomes

    4. Projects eligible for community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream contribution funding under this Agreement must meet the outcome in the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Outcomes Table.

    Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Outcomes Table

    Improved access to and/or increased quality of cultural, recreational and/or community infrastructure for Canadians, including Indigenous peoples and vulnerable populations
  4. Ineligible Projects
    1. When a project meets an outcome in the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Outcomes Table, it is not eligible for contribution funding under this Agreement if it:
      1. has a private sector, for-profit Ultimate Recipient;
      2. is a stand-alone daycare facility, for-profit daycare facility, daycare facility associated with a school board, or a daycare facility funded under Canada's Early Learning and Child Care initiative;
      3. is a religious site that serves as a place of assembly for religious purposes, which includes among others, a site, church, mosque, synagogue, temple, chapel (e.g., within a convent or seminary), shrine or meeting house; or
      4. is a professional or semi-professional sport facility that is primarily a commercial operation, such as those that serve major junior hockey leagues.
    2. Within Community Infrastructure Projects that meet an outcome in the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Outcomes Table, elements of the Project that include dedicated spaces for healthcare, tourism purposes, provincial or municipal services, or for-profit uses are ineligible for contribution funding under this Agreement, except for dedicated healthcare or education spaces that benefit Indigenous people by advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, as approved by Canada.
  5. Stacking and Cost-Sharing
    1. The maximum funding from all federal sources to a Project approved for community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream contribution funding under this Agreement will not exceed:
      1. Fifty percent (50%) of Eligible Expenditures for Alberta,
      2. Forty percent (40%) of Eligible Expenditures for municipalities, regional governments and not-for-profit organizations, or
      3. Seventy-five percent (75%) of Eligible Expenditures for Indigenous Ultimate Recipients notwithstanding a) and b) in this section.
    2. The maximum funding to a Project under the community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream from all federal sources will not exceed the limits set out in paragraph i) of this section, except for Indigenous Ultimate Recipients, which may access additional funding for a Project up to a maximum of one hundred percent (100%) of Eligible Expenditures from all federal sources, subject to approval by Canada.
    3. If the federal Crown's total funding towards a Project under the community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream exceeds the federal funding limits set out in paragraphs i) and ii) of this section, or if the Total Financial Assistance received or due in respect of the total Project costs exceeds one hundred percent (100%) thereof, Canada may recover the excess from Alberta or reduce its contribution by an amount equal to the excess.
    4. Canada's contribution to all Projects under the community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream will not exceed the amount as set out in paragraph c) of section 3 (Commitments by Canada).
  6. Federal Requirements

    7. All Projects that meet an outcome in the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Outcomes Table must meet the following requirements:

    1. Community, culture and recreation Projects must be community-oriented, non-commercial in nature and open for use to the public and not limited to a private membership.
    2. Alberta will prioritize assets that serve vulnerable populations.
    3. "Community Infrastructure" is defined as community hubs and community centres. These are publicly accessible, multi-purpose spaces that bring together a variety of different services, programs and/or social and cultural activities to reflect local community needs.
    4. Alberta must confirm that the primary rationale for undertaking a sport infrastructure Project is not to serve as a home facility for professional or semi-professional sports teams.
    5. Health and education facilities must benefit Indigenous peoples by advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, as approved by Canada.

A.5 Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure

  1. Objective

    The rural and northern communities infrastructure stream will support Projects that improve the quality of life in rural and northern communities by responding to rural- and northern-specific needs.

  2. Canada's Contribution
    1. Fiscal Year Breakdown
      1. Canada's total contribution funding for all Projects under the rural and northern communities infrastructure stream will be allocated in accordance with the estimated maximum amounts in the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Fiscal Year Breakdown Table, as amended through administrative processes:

        2. Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Fiscal Year Breakdown Table

         

        Canada

        2018-19

        7,982,542

        2019-20

        7,982,542

        2020-21

        7,982,542

        2021-22

        12,772,066

        2022-23

        15,965,083

        2023-24

        19,158,100

        2024-25

        22,351,116

        2025-26

        22,351,116

        2026-27

        22,351,116

        2027-28

        20,754,608

        TOTAL

        $159,650,831

      *Figures included in the Fiscal Year Breakdown Table are notional and will be updated to reflect funding allocations approved for Projects under this Agreement.

  3. Eligible Project Outcomes
    1. Projects eligible for rural and northern communities infrastructure stream contribution funding under this Agreement:
      1. must meet at least one of the outcomes in the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Outcomes Table; or

        Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Outcomes Table

        Improved food security

        Improved and/or more reliable road, air and/or marine infrastructure

        Improved broadband connectivity

        More efficient and/or reliable energy

        Improved education and/or health facilities (specific to Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action)
      2. may, subject to approval by Canada, meet at least one of the project outcomes in the Public Transit Outcomes Table, the Green Infrastructure Outcomes Table or the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Outcomes Table.
  4. Ineligible Projects

    5. When a project meets an outcome in the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Outcomes Table, it is not eligible for contribution funding under this Agreement if it:

    1. is housing;
    2. is an early learning and childcare facility;
    3. is a health facility, or an education facility, except to benefit Indigenous peoples by advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, as approved by Canada.
    4. is a highway or trade corridor infrastructure, except for portions that connect communities that do not already have year round road access; or
    5. is resource development infrastructure, notably industrial resource development access roads.
  5. Stacking and Cost-Sharing
    1. The maximum funding from all federal sources to a Project that is approved for rural and northern communities infrastructure stream contribution funding under this Agreement will not exceed:
      1. Fifty percent of Eligible Expenditures for Alberta, municipalities with a population of five thousand (5,000) or more and not-for-profit Ultimate Recipients;
      2. Sixty percent (60%) of Eligible Expenditures for municipalities with a population of less than five thousand (5,000);
      3. Seventy-five percent of Eligible Expenditures for Indigenous Ultimate Recipients; or
      4. Twenty-five percent of Eligible Expenditures for for-profit, private sector Ultimate Recipients, notwithstanding a) or b) in this section.
    2. The maximum funding to a Project under the rural and northern communities infrastructure stream from all federal sources will not exceed the limits set out in paragraph i) of this section, except for Indigenous Ultimate Recipients, which may access additional funding for a Project up to a maximum of one hundred percent (100%) of Eligible Expenditures from all federal sources, subject to approval by Canada.
    3. If the federal Crown's total funding towards a Project under the rural and northern communities infrastructure stream exceeds the federal funding limits set out in paragraphs i) and ii) of this section, or if the Total Financial Assistance received or due in respect of the total Project costs exceeds one hundred percent (100%) thereof, Canada may recover the excess from Alberta or reduce its contribution by an amount equal to the excess.
    4. Canada's contribution to all Projects under the rural and northern communities infrastructure stream will not exceed the amount as set out in paragraph d) of section 3 (Commitments by Canada).
  6. Federal Requirements
    1. All Projects that meet an outcome in the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Outcomes Table must meet the following requirements:
      1. Projects will be restricted to those situated within, and that are for the direct benefit of, rural and northern communities with a population of 100,000 or less based on 2016 Statistics Canada Census data.
      2. Alberta will respect the unique and wide-ranging infrastructure needs of rural and northern communities, including by considering projects that would advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples as per the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as capacity building needs of rural and northern communities.

SCHEDULE B – COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL

B.1 Purpose

  1. This Communications Protocol outlines the roles and responsibilities of each of the Parties to this Agreement, as well as those of the Ultimate Recipient, with respect to Communications Activities related to this Agreement and the Projects funded through it.
  2. This Communications Protocol will guide the planning, development and implementation of all Communications Activities to ensure clear, consistent and coordinated communications to the Canadian public.
  3. The provisions of this Communications Protocol apply to all Communications Activities related to this Agreement and any Projects funded under this Agreement.

B.2 Guiding Principles

  1. Communications Activities undertaken in accordance with this Communications Protocol should ensure that Canadians are informed of infrastructure investments made to help improve their quality of life and that they receive consistent information about funded Projects and their benefits.
  2. Alberta is responsible for communicating the requirements and responsibilities outlined in this Communications Protocol to Ultimate Recipients.

B.3 Governance

  1. The Parties will designate communications contacts that will be responsible for overseeing this Protocol's implementation and reporting on its results to the Oversight Committee.

B.4 Joint Communications

  1. Canada and Alberta will have Joint Communications about the funding of the Project(s).
  2. Joint Communications under this Agreement should not occur without the prior knowledge and agreement of all Parties as well as the Ultimate Recipient, where applicable.
  3. All Joint Communications material will be approved by Canada and Alberta prior to release, and will recognize the funding of all parties.
  4. Each of the Parties or the Ultimate Recipient may request Joint Communications to communicate to Canadians about the progress or completion of the Project(s). The requestor will provide at least 15 business days' notice to the other Parties or the Ultimate Recipient. If the Communications Activity is an event, it will take place at a mutually agreed date and location.
  5. The requestor of the Joint Communications will provide an equal opportunity for the other Parties or the Ultimate Recipient to participate and choose their own designated representative (in the case of an event).
  6. Alberta or the Ultimate Recipient will be responsible for providing onsite communications and logistics support. Any related costs are eligible for cost-sharing in accordance with the formula outlined in the funding agreement.
  7. Canada has an obligation to communicate in English and French. Joint communications products must be bilingual and include the Canada word mark and other Parties' logos. Canada will provide the translation and final approval on products.
  8. The conduct of all Joint Communications will follow each party's applicable policies and procedures.

B.5 Individual Communications

  1. Notwithstanding section B.4 of this Communications Protocol (Joint Communications), Canada and Alberta retain the right to meet their obligations to communicate information to Canadians about the Agreement and the use of funds through their own Communications Activities.
  2. Canada will post a copy of this Agreement on its website, in addition to information on any of the projects funded through it.
  3. Canada, Alberta and the Ultimate Recipient may each include general Program messaging and examples of projects funded though the Agreement in their own Communications Activities. The authoring Party will not unreasonably restrict the use of such products or messaging by the other Parties; and if web or social-media based, from linking to it.
  4. Canada, Alberta or the Ultimate Recipient may issue digital communications to communicate progress of the Project(s).
  5. Where a web site or web page is created to promote or communicate progress on a funded Project or Projects, it must recognize both Parties' funding through the use of a digital sign or through the use of the Canada wordmark and the following wording, "This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada." The Canada wordmark or digital sign must link to Infrastructure Canada's website, at www.infrastructure.gc.ca. Canada will provide and publish guidelines for how this recognition is to appear.
  6. The Ultimate Recipient will be required to send a minimum of one photograph to each of the Parties of the construction in progress, or of the completed project, for use in social media and other digital individual communications activities. Sending the photos will constitute permission to use and transfer of copyright. Photographs are to be sent to INFC.photos@canada.ca along with project name and location.

B.6 Operational Communications

  1. The Ultimate Recipient is solely responsible for operational communications with respect to Projects, including but not limited to: calls for tender, or construction and public safety notices. Operational communications as described above are not subject to the federal official language policy.
  2. Canada does not need to be informed on operational communications. However, such products should include, where appropriate, the following statement, "This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada." As appropriate, operational communications will also recognize the funding of Alberta in a similar manner.

B.7 Media Relations

  1. Canada and Alberta will share information promptly with the other Party should significant media inquiries be received or emerging media or stakeholder issues arise to a Project or the overall fund.

B.8 Signage

  1. Canada, Alberta, or the Ultimate Recipient may request a sign recognizing their funding contribution to a Project.
  2. Where a physical sign is to be installed, unless otherwise agreed upon by Canada, it will be the Ultimate Recipient who will produce and install a physical sign that recognizes funding of each Party at each Project site in accordance with current federal signage guidelines.
  3. The joint sign design, content and installation guidelines will be provided by Canada.
  4. The recognition of funding contributions of each Party and the Ultimate Recipient will be of equal prominence and visibility.
  5. A digital sign may also be used in addition or in place of a physical sign in cases where a physical would not be appropriate due to project type, scope, location or duration.
  6. Where the Ultimate Recipient decides to install a permanent plaque or other suitable marker with respect to a Project, it must recognize the federal contribution and be approved by Canada.
  7. Alberta agrees to inform Canada of sign installations through the Project progress reports referenced in section 14 (Reporting) of this Agreement.
  8. Where a physical sign is being installed, signage should be installed at each Project site one (1) month prior to the start of construction, be visible for the duration of that Project, and remain in place until one (1) month after construction is completed and the infrastructure is fully operational or opened for public use.
  9. Signage should be installed in a prominent and visible location that takes into consideration pedestrian and traffic safety and visibility.

B.9 Communicating With Ultimate Recipients

  1. Alberta agrees to facilitate, as required, communications between Canada and the Ultimate Recipient for Communications Activities.

B.10 Advertising Campaigns

  1. Recognizing that advertising can be an effective means of communicating with the public, Canada and/or Alberta may, at their own cost, organize an advertising or public information campaign related to this Agreement or eligible Projects. However, such a campaign will respect the provisions of this Agreement. In the event of such a campaign, the sponsoring Party or Ultimate Recipient will inform the other Parties or Ultimate Recipient of its intention no less than twenty-one (21) working days prior to the campaign launch.

SCHEDULE C – TARGETS

  1. When applicable, Alberta will report to Canada on the following aspirational targets, as outlined in this Agreement. Canada will not suspend or terminate any of its obligations to contribute to one or more Projects or Administrative Expenses in the event these targets are not achieved:
    1. Increase by at least twenty five percent (25%) the modal share for public transit and active transportation.
    2. Ensure ninety-eight percent (98%) of people in a municipality with a public transit system live within the service area of their transit system.
    3. Contribute to a national ten mega-tonne (10 mT) reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
    4. Reduce by one hundred percent (100%) the number of long-term drinking water advisories in non-reserve communities.
    5. Increase the number of wastewater systems achieving compliance with federal effluent regulations: from ninety-eight percent (98%) to one hundred percent (100%) for high-risk wastewater systems, and from eighty-five percent (85%) to ninety-five percent (95%) for medium-risk wastewater systems.
    6. Ensure one hundred percent (100%) of federally-funded public-facing infrastructure meets the highest published applicable accessibility standard in a respective jurisdiction.
    7. Increase by at least five per cent (5%), the number of rural households with access to a broadband speed range of 50Mbps or higher by 2028. This target could be reviewed and, if necessary adjusted, subject to the development of a broadband strategy in Alberta.
  2. The Parties agree, following the review described in paragraph a) of section 19 (Evaluation), to assess project achievements in comparison to the established targets listed in paragraph a) of Schedule C (Targets). Consequently, the Parties agree that existing targets may be adjusted or new targets established, in accordance with section 25.8 (Amendments).
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