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Section II: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcomes

2.1 Program Activities and Strategic Outcomes

As previously mentioned in this report, Infrastructure Canada has three strategic outcomes in support of its mandate, as approved in November 2009. These are:

1. Provinces, territories and municipalities have federal financial support for their infrastructure priorities;
2. Funding for quality, cost-effective public infrastructure that meets the needs of Canadians in a competitive economy, a clean environment and liveable communities is provided, and
3. Construction-ready infrastructure projects are provided with federal funding support.

The three strategic outcomes reflect the long-term and enduring benefit to Canadians that stems from Infrastructure Canada's mandate, vision and mission. They focus on the area of direct influence on investments in quality and cost-effective public infrastructure. All three strategic outcomes reflect the requirements of the Management, Resources and Results Structure Policy, and also represent a clear end-state for the department to strive towards, for which the measurement of progress is more easily quantifiable, and is within the scope of intervention of the department.

Overall, the programs' expected results are the construction, renewal and/or enhancement of public infrastructure that contribute to a competitive economy, a clean environment and liveable communities. A new performance Measurement Framework (PMF) will be developed in 2010-2011 and will be the basis for establishing performance indicators and specific targets under each program activity.

The information presented in this section is organized according to Infrastructure Canada's Program Activity Architecture structure for 2010-2011, which consists of 13 program activities: The Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund, Gas Tax Fund, Building Canada Fund-Communities Component, Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component, Green Infrastructure Fund, Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, Border Infrastructure Fund, Economic Analysis and Research, Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, Support for G8 Summit (2010), and National Trails Coalition. Internal Services supports all strategic outcomes, but is not part of the program activity architecture structure.

2.2 Strategic Outcome 1

Provinces, territories and municipalities have federal financial support for their infrastructure priorities.

2.2.1 Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund

Program Activity: Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
5.0	590,526	To be confirmed	326,675	To be confirmed	136,949

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
A base level of federal funding is provided to address provincial-territorial core infrastructure priorities. Through the Economic Plan, funding is accelerated upon agreement of provinces and territories, in order to provide economic stimulus.	Amount of federal funding to be committed: Dollars leveraged:	$300 million. $250 million.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity provides a pre-determined level of base funding to provinces and territories for infrastructure initiatives, balancing the Building Canada Fund's per capita allocations. The Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund was designed to help restore the fiscal balance while enhancing Canada's public infrastructure system. Funding will be matched by provinces (50% federal share) and territories (75% federal share) to maximize investment by all orders of government.

Similar to the Gas Tax Fund, federal funding will be provided up-front and on a regular basis. This ensures additional financial flexibility to provinces and territories as part of the Building Canada Plan. All provinces and territories will benefit from this investment in modern public infrastructure, particularly jurisdictions with smaller populations.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada committed to accelerating existing infrastructure investments under this fund. For those provinces and territories that agree to cost-share and match accelerated federal funding, the program is being accelerated to focus on initiatives that could begin construction over fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Of the total planned spending for 2010-2011, the amount for accelerated funding is $260.6 million beyond the existing $25 million per year. To date, nine jurisdictions have agreed to match the accelerated federal funding.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Conclude Provincial-Territorial Base Funding agreements with any jurisdictions that have not yet signed their agreements;
• Encourage provinces and territories to accelerate some or all of PT-Base in 2010-2011; and
• Ensure the sound administration of the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund.

Benefits for Canadians: The Provincial-Territorial Base Fund provides significant flexibility to provinces and territories to support their core infrastructure priorities, including most of the categories under the Building Canada Fund, as well as any highway infrastructure and the safety-related rehabilitation of infrastructure.

By accelerating funding under the Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is providing important financial stimulus to the economy, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of communities.

2.2.2 Gas Tax Fund

Program Activity: Gas Tax Fund

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
15.0	2,003,983	To be confirmed	1,974,452	To be confirmed	1,974,452

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Predictable, long-term federal funding is provided to support municipal infrastructure that contributes to cleaner air, cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.	Amount of federal funding received by municipalities: Number of municipal recipients receiving Gas Tax funding:	$1.9 billion (95% of estimates). 3,640 (95% of municipal recipients).

Program Activity Summary: This program activity provides municipalities with predictable long-term funding coupled with local decision-making to enable municipalities to build and rehabilitate their core public infrastructure. Under this program activity, Canada has entered into Gas Tax Fund Agreements with provinces, territories, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the City of Toronto. These agreements establish an accountability framework allowing Canada to flow Gas Tax Fund monies twice a year to signatories which in turn, flow funds to municipal recipients based on an agreed upon allocation formula. For their part, municipal recipients decide which projects to prioritize within established investment categories that contribute to shared national outcomes of cleaner air, cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increase community capacities to undertake long-term planning. Municipalities can pool, bank and borrow against this funding, providing significant additional financial flexibility. In order to remain eligible recipients under the Gas Tax Fund, municipalities are required to report annually on their use of funds and their compliance to terms and conditions of the federal-provincial Gas Tax Fund Agreements. Budget 2007 added $8 billion in new funding and extended the Gas Tax Fund from 2010 to 2014, doubling it to $2 billion per year. Budget 2008 announced that the government will make it ongoing.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

While the planned spending funds from the Gas Tax Fund are not part of the Economic Action Plan, they complement these efforts by providing long-term federal funding for infrastructure projects.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Manage the ongoing implementation of the Gas Tax Fund agreements extended to 2014, including program oversight and collaboration with provinces, territories and municipalities; and
• Review and analyze outcomes reports from provinces and territories, and consolidate the results into one national outcomes report.

Benefits for Canadians: By combining predictable long-term funding with local decision-making, municipal recipients can better plan and undertake sustainable investments in their core public infrastructure while contributing to cleaner air and water, and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of all Canadians. Since the program's inception, $4.8 billion in Gas Tax Fund has flowed from Canada for municipal recipients. Jurisdictions are required to report on an annual basis, providing expenditure details for the previous fiscal year. Therefore, during 2009-2010 Infrastructure Canada received results for 2008-2009, which indicate that of the funds transferred, municipalities had spent almost $2.6 billion on over 7,130 projects by the end of 2008-2009.

2.3 Strategic Outcome 2

Funding for quality, cost-effective public infrastructure that meets the needs of Canadians in a competitive economy, a clean environment and liveable communities is provided.

2.3.1 Building Canada Fund-Communities Component

Program Activity: Building Canada Fund-Communities Component (BCF-CC)

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
17.0	265,064	To be confirmed	279,375	To be confirmed	275,635

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Federal funding is provided for infrastructure projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000, to help these smaller communities with their unique challenges.	Amount of federal funding committed: Amount of funding leveraged:	No new funding commitments are planned for 2010-2011, as the program was fully committed. This is in line with the Economic Action Plan's objectives, i.e., the department would work with its partners to accelerate spending and provide stimulus to the economy. Apart from program administration costs, $260 million of planned spending for 2010-2011 reflects funding commitments made in previous years. Federal spending commitments for 2010-2011 are expected to support $520 million in eligible infrastructure costs by funding partners.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity provides funding to address the unique infrastructure pressures facing smaller communities focussing on project investments in communities with populations of less than 100,000. Working in partnership through federal delivery partners and recipients, the fund supports construction, renewal and enhancement of basic infrastructure needs such as potable water, wastewater treatment, local roads and other infrastructure needs of small communities. The fund levers additional contributions from other partners by limiting the maximum federal share for funded projects, to between 25% and 50% depending on the category and type of recipient.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

Significant efforts were made to accelerate the approval process of projects under this program activity. In fact, all Communities Component funding had to be committed to projects before provinces were able to access the Economic Action Plan's Top-Up funds. Since the release of the Economic Action Plan, the entire allocation of federal funding of close to $1 billion has been announced in support of over 875 smaller-scale projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Continue to manage the $1 billion in federal contributions to support the construction, renewal and enhancement of public infrastructure in smaller communities;
• Obtain assurance that the construction work of several hundred projects dealing with wastewater treatment, potable water, local roads and other infrastructure needs is completed; and
• Continue to manage the program at the federal level in a collaborative fashion, in cooperation with the respective Federal Delivery Partners.

Benefits for Canadians: The Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund addresses the local needs of Canada's smaller communities by contributing to the funding of smaller scope infrastructure projects in communities with populations fewer than 100,000. Infrastructure Canada's contributions under the Communities Component enable construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure that may otherwise be beyond the community's normal budgetary capacity. The increased amount of sustainable infrastructure resulting from this program activity leads to strong economic and productivity growth, improved water, air and land quality, and strong, competitive and sustainable communities.

2.3.2 Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component

Program Activity: Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12				2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs		Planned Spending		FTEs	Planned Spending
62.0	959,100	To be confirmed		1,321,081		To be confirmed	1,079,003

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Federal funding is provided for large, strategic infrastructure projects both at the national and regional level.	Amount of federal funding to be committed: Dollars leveraged:	$1.7 billion. $4.4 billion.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity targets larger, strategic infrastructure projects both at the national and regional level. It increases overall investment in public infrastructure and contributes to broad federal objectives of economic growth, a cleaner environment and strong and prosperous communities. The objective is to target two-thirds of the funding to national priorities of water, wastewater, public transit, the core national highway system and green energy. The Major Infrastructure Component has 11 additional eligible categories of investment, and priority projects are identified through discussions with provinces. By providing up to 50% federal funding on a cost-shared basis, it levers additional contributions from other partners to promote increased investment in strategic infrastructure. Eligible recipients include provinces, local or regional governments, public sector bodies, non-profit organizations and private companies.

Projects identified as a priority, must be supported by a business case which is reviewed against key program criteria. Projects under this program activity contribute to the construction, renewal and/or enhancement of public infrastructure. As part of the Economic Action Plan, the government has made a commitment to accelerate funding under the Building Canada Plan. As part of this commitment, the department has streamlined the federal evaluation and approval of projects under the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component simplifying and developing a more efficient review process to help projects get started sooner.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the government made a commitment to accelerate funding under the Building Canada Plan. As part of this commitment, the department has simplified and streamlined the process for evaluating and approving projects under the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component, in order to help projects get started sooner. Under this new process, more than $2.8 billion of new federal funding has been approved for just under 100 priority projects.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Continue to work with provincial governments to identify priority major infrastructure projects for funding that remains in provincial allocations;
• Maintain the objective of targeting two-thirds of funding to national priorities of water, wastewater, public transit, the core national highway system and green energy;
• Continue to accelerate the approval of major infrastructure projects through streamlined federal evaluations;
• Continue to work towards the signing of project-specific contribution agreements for major infrastructure projects announced as funding priorities under the Building Canada Fund; and
• Continue to oversee the implementation of project-specific agreements, ensuring that the terms of agreements are respected and that claims for payment are processed efficiently.

Benefits for Canadians: The Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund provides Canadians with modern, strategic and large scale infrastructure projects that reflect the government's priorities of strong economic and productivity growth, a healthy and sustainable environment, and stronger Canadian communities. As noted, a majority of the funding under the Major Infrastructure Component is targeted to address the national priorities of drinking water, wastewater, public transit, core highway systems and green energy, so that Canadians can benefit from new, modern infrastructure in the most crucial areas.

2.3.3 Green Infrastructure Fund

Program Activity: Green Infrastructure Fund

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
20.0	388,183	To be confirmed	200,000	To be confirmed	200,000

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Federal funding is provided to support infrastructure projects which promote cleaner air, cleaner water and land, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.	Amount of federal funding to be committed: Dollars leveraged:	$350 million. $700 million.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity provides funding for infrastructure projects that promote cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner water. Project categories include: Wastewater infrastructure, green energy generation infrastructure, green energy generation and transmission infrastructure, solid waste infrastructure and carbon transmission and storage infrastructure. The Green Infrastructure Fund provides up to 50% of eligible project costs to promote increased investment in infrastructure investment in support of a more sustainable economy. Funding is provided on a cost-shared basis to provinces, territories, local or regional governments, public sector bodies, other eligible non-profit organizations and private sector companies, either alone or in partnership with a province, territory or a government body.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

This funding contributes to green public infrastructure projects, and complements the economic and environmental efforts of other federal government measures, so that Canada emerges from the current economic downturn more quickly and with greener infrastructure.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Continue to work with provincial, territorial and municipal governments to identify and announce green infrastructure projects;
• Conclude project-specific agreements for green infrastructure projects announced as funding priorities under the Green Infrastructure Fund; and
• Oversee the implementation of project-specific agreements, ensuring that the terms of agreements are respected and that claims for payment are processed efficiently.

Benefits for Canadians: The goal of this fund is to promote long-term growth and improve the environment. By focusing on funding projects with positive, long-term environmental impacts, all provinces and territories will benefit.

2.3.4 Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund

Program Activity: Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
33.0	528,278	To be confirmed	345,389	To be confirmed	203,707

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Federal funding is provided to support large-scale projects in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians.	Amount of federal funding committed: Amount of funding leveraged:	No new funding commitments are planned for 2010-2011, as the program was fully committed. Apart from program administration costs, $522 million of planned spending for 2010-2011 reflects funding commitments made in previous years. Federal funding commitments for 2010-2011 are expected to support $500 million in eligible infrastructure costs by funding partners.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity provides funding for projects in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians. Investments are made in cooperation with the provinces, territories, municipalities and the private sector and contribute to the construction, renewal and/or enhancement of public infrastructure to build infrastructure capacity in partnership with recipients. The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund levers additional contributions from other partners by providing up to 50% funding for eligible projects. This program activity began in 2003, and is scheduled to end in 2012-2013.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

While the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund is not part of the Economic Action Plan, planned expenditures will also support the construction of public infrastructure and economic growth.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Continue to manage the federal contributions under the fund to support the construction, renewal and enhancement of public infrastructure;
• Obtain assurance that the construction of projects under the fund is completed; and
• Continue to manage the program at the federal level in a collaborative fashion, in cooperation with the respective Federal Delivery Partners.

Benefits for Canadians: Projects under this program facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods and people, and contributes to the promotion of safe, cleaner and reliable drinking water, and the responsible and sustainable treatment of wastewater.

2.3.5 Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund

Program Activity: Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
8.0	123,657	To be confirmed	7,263	--	0

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Federal funding is provided to infrastructure projects to improve quality of life and economic opportunities for smaller communities.	Amount of federal funding committed: Amount of funding leveraged:	No new funding commitments are planned for 2010-2011, as the program was fully committed. Apart from program administration costs, $122 million of planned spending in 2010-2011 reflects funding commitments made in previous years. 2010-2011 federal spending commitments are expected to support $240 million in eligible infrastructure costs by funding partners.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity provides funding for small-scale municipal infrastructure projects designed to promote and improve quality of life in both urban and rural communities. It was augmented with additional funds in January 2007. At least 80 percent of funding under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) has been dedicated to municipalities with a population of less than 250,000. For most projects, the MRIF provides up to one third federal funding for eligible projects to promote increased investment in infrastructure spending. Its long-term commitment to public infrastructure is to help promote sustainable economic growth, innovation and healthy communities. Projects under this program activity contribute to the construction, renewal and/or enhancement of public infrastructure to build infrastructure capacity in partnership with recipients. The federal contribution to most projects does not exceed 33%, although it can go up to 50% in certain circumstances. This program activity began in 2004, and has been extended until 2013-2014.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

While the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is not part of the Economic Action Plan, planned expenditures will also complement these efforts by providing federal funding for infrastructure projects.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Continue its long-term commitment to public infrastructure designed to promote economic growth, innovation and healthy communities, as per the Fund's recent extension until March 31, 2013;
• Continue to focus this commitment on projects such as water and wastewater treatment or cultural and recreation projects for communities; and
• Continue to be managed in a collaborative manner through the respective umbrella of federal-provincial-territorial contribution agreements.

Benefits for Canadians: The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) program has been structured to provide a balanced response to the local infrastructure needs of Canadian communities, particularly those with fewer than 250,000 people. The program provides Canadians in smaller communities with improvements in drinking water, wastewater, solid waste management, public transit, local roads, culture, recreation, tourism, environmental energy.

2.3.6 Border Infrastructure Fund

Program Activity: Border Infrastructure Fund.

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
5.0	50,504	To be confirmed	51,638	To be confirmed	68,445

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Federal funding is provided to support infrastructure projects at border crossings.	Amount of federal funding committed: Amount of funding leveraged:	No new funding commitments are planned for 2010-2011, as the program was fully committed. Planned spending of $50 million for 2010-2011 reflects funding commitments made in previous years. Planned spending of $50 million for 2010-2011 is expected to support $100 million in eligible infrastructure costs by funding partners.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity provides funding for investments in physical infrastructure, intelligence transportation system infrastructure and improved analytical capacity at the largest surface border crossings between Canada and the United States, as well as several other crossing points in Canada. Established in 2002, the fund provides up to 50% federal funding to support eligible projects at Canada's border crossings. Projects under this program activity contribute to the construction, renewal and/or enhancement of public infrastructure to build infrastructure capacity in partnership with recipients. This program activity began in 2003, and is scheduled to end in 2013-2014.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

While the planned spending under the Border Infrastructure Fund Program Activity is not part of the Economic Action Plan, program results have focused on improvements to Canada's transportation system.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Work with our portfolio partner Transport Canada, to oversee the implementation of the remaining projects announced under the Border Infrastructure Fund; and
• In partnership with our portfolio partner Transport Canada, continue to oversee the implementation of project-specific agreements, ensuring that the terms of agreements are respected and that claims for payment are processed efficiently to meet the program's scheduled end date of 2013-2014.

Benefits for Canadians: Through the fund, infrastructure improvements will help increase border infrastructure security and improve the flow of trade between Canada and the United States. The ultimate outcomes are sustainable economic growth and safe and efficient borders, which help alleviate border congestion and increase trade, systems capacity and safety and security.

2.3.7 Economic Analysis and Research

Program Activity: Economic Analysis and Research

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
29.0	15,498	To be confirmed	9,117	To be confirmed	4,500

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Research and analysis of infrastructure issues supports	Availability and quality of integrated knowledge and analysis on	To be identified as Infrastructure Canada develops a performance measurement

 

Program Activity Summary: This program activity helps to ensure that Canada's infrastructure investment priorities and activities include the building, connecting and sharing of applied knowledge and research on infrastructure issues, projects and programs. It targets key gaps in infrastructure knowledge and information, promotes the development of an enhanced evidence-base for sound decision making at all levels of government, and contributes to improved measurement of the impacts of infrastructure policy and investment decisions. This program activity supports strategic research capacity and knowledge generation and applications at the national level, as well as cooperation with other levels of government in addressing their unique research and capacity-building needs. It levers research resources and expertise across various levels of government and stakeholder groups to address the infrastructure challenges and proposed solutions for Canada's economy, environment and communities. This program activity began in 2004-2005, and is scheduled to end in 2016-2017.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

The planned spending funds from the Economic Analysis and Research Program Activity are not part of the Economic Action Plan.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Provide enhanced strategic and applied research and analysis in support of Infrastructure Canada's strategic policy and program needs;
• Build a stronger information base on the state, performance and management of Canada's core public infrastructure;
• Strengthen multi and bilateral relationships with national organizations, provinces, territories, non-governmental organizations and municipal associations, and contribute to international activities related to infrastructure to improve exchange of information and knowledge;
• Develop a knowledge strategy for Infrastructure Canada; and
• Enhance advice on infrastructure priorities, leverage resources to produce higher quality research and address knowledge and data gaps.

Benefits to Canadians: By improving research, knowledge and capacity-building, this activity promotes innovation and progress in delivering, managing and maintaining world-class public infrastructure. It also promotes effective decision making and policy development, and improves understanding of long-term infrastructure issues.

2.4 Strategic Outcome 3

Construction-ready infrastructure projects are provided with federal funding support.

2.4.1 Infrastructure Stimulus Fund

 

Program Activity: Infrastructure Stimulus Fund

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
59.0	2,866,060	--	0	--	0

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Short-term economic stimulus is provided to the Canadian economy through federal funding to construction-ready infrastructure projects.	Amount of federal funding committed: Amount of funding leveraged:	No new funding commitments are planned for 2010-2011, as the program was fully committed in 2009-2010. This is in line with the Economic Action Plan's objectives, i.e., the department would work with its partners to accelerate spending and provide stimulus to the economy. Planned spending of $2.9 billion for 2010-2011 reflects funding commitments made in previous years, requiring ongoing departmental responsibilities in program administration. Planned spending of $2.9 billion for 2010-2011 is expected to support $3.8 million (TBA) in eligible infrastructure costs by funding partners.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity is intended to accelerate and increase the number of provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure projects, as well as infrastructure projects submitted by not-for-profit and for-profit entities. It focuses on the rehabilitation of existing assets and new infrastructure that are construction-ready and can be materially completed by March 31st, 2011. Categories include: Water, wastewater, public transit, solid waste management, highways, roads, culture, community centers and services, temporary shelter infrastructure, parks and trails, rail and port infrastructure. The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is designed as a broad and flexible program to include both new infrastructure and rehabilitation of existing assets, in keeping with its objectives of providing timely and targeted short-term stimulus to the economy. By providing up to 50% federal funding to construction-ready projects, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund levers funding from other partners, and is thus able to generate a much greater overall stimulative effect to the Canadian economy through infrastructure spending.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

The Economic Action Plan established the $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to provide a short-term boost to the economy by accelerating funding to construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be materially completed by March 31, 2011. As such, the program's total planned spending of $2.9 billion in 2010-2011 is a key component of the Economic Action Plan. Federal funding flows as construction proceeds, costs are incurred and project's invoices are submitted. As such, disbursements will include funds for projects that began in 2009-2010, as well as new disbursements for projects that will begin in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. All the funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund supports the rehabilitation or construction of provincial, territorial, municipal, community and some federal infrastructure assets. To be eligible for funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, projects were selected on the basis of meeting clear eligibility criteria; primarily designed to ensure that approved projects could be materially completed by March 31, 2011.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Collaborate with other levels of government and federal departments and agencies to ensure that accountability regimes are clearly established;
• Monitor project progress by reviewing and assessing claims through online progress report submissions, discussions with proponents, including site visits and third party audits;
• Efficiently process and pay claims received from provinces, territories and community partners; and
• Monitor program completion by undertaking audit and evaluation activities to ensure compliance and effectiveness of the program.

Benefits for Canadians: This program activity provides short-term economic stimulus to the economy, contributing to the long-term prosperity of communities by fast-tracking infrastructure funding. In addition to the boost to the economy, all provinces and territories will enjoy social, cultural and environmental benefits from these investments in modern public infrastructure, particularly smaller jurisdictions.

2.4.2 Building Canada Fund-Communities Component Top-Up

Program Activity: Building Canada Fund-Communities Component Top-Up

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
25.0	387,557	--	0	--	0

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Short-term economic stimulus is provided to the Canadian economy by the provision of federal funding to construction-ready infrastructure projects for smaller communities.	Amount of federal funding committed: Amount of funding leveraged:	No new funding commitments are planned for 2010-2011, as the program was fully committed in 2009-2010. This is in line with the Economic Action Plan's objectives, i.e., the department would work with its partners to accelerate spending and provide stimulus to the economy. Apart from program administration costs, $385 million of planned spending for 2010-2011 reflects funding commitments made in previous years. Federal spending commitments for 2010-2011 are expected to support $770 million in eligible infrastructure costs by funding partners.

Program Activity Summary: This program activity provides additional funding in the amount of $500 million (added to the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component) to fund additional two-year infrastructure projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000, and with infrastructure needs related to 18 approved categories of project investment. The additional Top-Up funds were initiated in view of the current economic crisis when the government undertook to accelerate funding over the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 fiscal years, to provide stimulus to the economy under the Economic Action Plan (Budget 2009). As part of this, the top-up to the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component provided an additional $500 million to be spent in the 2009-2010 to 2010-2011 fiscal years. The funds are to be allocated to projects that are ready to get started and be materially completed by March 31, 2011. All Building Canada Fund-Communities Component funding had to be committed before access to Top-Up funding could occur.

Economic Action Plan (EAP)

This program activity provides additional funding in the amount of $500 million (added to the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component) to fund additional infrastructure projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000, and with infrastructure needs related to 18 approved categories of project investment. The additional Top-Up funds were initiated in view of the current economic crisis when the government undertook to accelerate funding over the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 fiscal years, to provide stimulus to the economy under the Economic Action Plan. The funds will be allocated to construction-ready projects that can be materially completed by March 31, 2011. All Building Canada Fund-Communities Component funding had to be committed before access to Top-Up funding could occur.

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

• Continue to oversee the substantial completion of over 500 projects across the country approved for Top-Up funding;
• Continue to manage the fund collaboratively at the federal level in cooperation with the respective Federal Delivery Partners. Management of the program includes monitoring the progress of projects, assessing and effecting the payment of claims, and undertaking appropriate audit activities; and
• Continue to serve as a rapid source of economic stimulus while at the same time contributing towards the broader Building Canada Fund goals of addressing local and regional infrastructure priorities.

Benefits for Canadians: The Building Canada Fund-Communities Component (BCF-CC) Top-Up Program Activity provides the same benefits as the original Building Canada Fund-Communities Component Program Activity. This program activity injects funds into the economy and leverages new investments from partners. This short-term stimulus will help the country to emerge from the recession more quickly. It will also mean more and better infrastructure that will contribute to the long-term prosperity of Canada's communities.

2.5 Internal Services

Program Activity: Internal Services

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (in $ thousands)
2010-11		2011-12		2012-13
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
150.0	29,092	To be confirmed	1,796	To be confirmed	1,776

Program Activity Summary: This program activity promotes excellence in program and corporate management in support of Infrastructure Canada's priorities. Internal services consist of Governance and Management Support (management and oversight, communications and legal services), Internal Audit Services, Evaluation Services, Resource Management Services (human resources management, financial management, information management and technology, travel and other administrative services), and Assets Management Services (real property, materiel and acquisitions).

Planning Highlights: During the planning period, the program will:

Accountability (Includes Audit and Evaluation)

• Provide, as part of the Internal Audit Risk-Based Audit Plan, assurance, advisory and consulting services to support senior management in reaching their objectives, and ensure a rigorous follow-up of audit recommendations and related management action plans resulting from prior engagements.
• Formalize Internal Audit methodology, develop a quality assurance and improvement program to cover major aspects of the internal audit function, and continuously monitoring its effectiveness;
• A significant portion of Internal Audit's resources will be directed towards the new and current infrastructure programs impacted by the Economic Action Plan;
• Develop a revised risk-based evaluation plan to provide value-for-money assessments of all Infrastructure Canada's direct spending, an annual report on the state of performance measurement of all current programs in support of evaluation, and an evaluation performance management strategy. Report on the results evaluation to measure its effectiveness, and report on the follow-up of evaluation recommendations and related management action plans;
• Evaluation will assist management in the develop of performance measurement strategies for each Economic Action Plan funded program that will guide the collection of credible and reliable performance data; and
• Ensure the Corporate Risk Profile adequately reflects the risks associated with the Economic Action Plan initiatives, and that progress in implementing mitigation measures and the re-assessment of risk placement are reported to the Departmental Management Committee (DMC).

Communications

• Continue, through communications and marketing initiatives, to provide information to Canadians, government partners, funding recipients, and other stakeholders about Infrastructure Canada's programs, about funded projects, and about the results of infrastructure investments;
• Provide internal communications services that contribute to better information sharing, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement and retention;
• Ensure timely departmental activity in response to access to information and privacy (ATIP) requests; and
• Continue to support the department through the management of briefing coordination and executive correspondence.

Information Technology (IT) Systems

• Continue using its information management and information technology products and services strategically to support Infrastructure Canada's priorities; and
• Continue the development and support of information technology and services, including the Shared Information Management System for Infrastructure (SIMSI).

Financial Management

• Enhance financial systems, processes and controls in support of improved financial planning, stewardship and reporting, as well as increased efficiency in payment verification, and processing.

People Management

• Deliver on the department's Integrated Business and Human Resources Plan (IBHRP) and people management strategy necessary to support a flexible and adaptable workforce, employee development and growth, and employee engagement;
• Continue intensified recruitment activities to assist the management of the Economic Action Plan, focussing on specific target markets: Current public servants, mid-career professionals in other levels of government, talented new graduates and students. A strategic approach to recruitment and staffing, will increase the use of collective staffing and existing pools of qualified candidates;
• Ensure that recruitment reflects Canada's diversity, and that the department's culture embraces diversity and a bilingual work environment by continuing to invest in language training for employees, actively encouraging all employees to work in the language of their choice, and acting as role models for each other; and
• Develop a departmental Code of Conduct to support Values and Ethics initiatives to guide and support its employees in their professional activities, and maintain and enhance public confidence in the integrity of the public service.

Benefits for Canadians: These services provide strategic management direction and support effective and efficient program design and delivery, ensure the stewardship and accountability of public funds, and build human resources capacity and leadership for the success of the department's programs.

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