Budget 2011 requires that federal departments assess planned projects for P3 potential and states:
Going forward, federal departments will be required to evaluate the potential for using a P3 for large federal capital projects. All infrastructure projects creating an asset with a lifespan of at least 20 years, and having capital costs of $100 million or more, will be subjected to a P3 screen to determine whether a P3 may be a suitable procurement option. Should the assessment conclude that there is P3 potential, the procuring department will be required to develop a P3 proposal among possible procurement options.
Departments will also be encouraged to explore the potential of P3 approaches for other types of projects and procurements of services.
In order to assist departments, Treasury Board Secretariat has developed the Guideline to Implementing Budget 2011 Direction on Public Private Partnerships.