Section 2: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

2.1 Strategic Outcomes and Program Activities

Infrastructure Canada’s Program Activity Architecture (PAA) has the following three Strategic Outcomes (SO) and 11 active program activities in support of its mandate.  The information presented in this section is organized according to Infrastructure Canada’s PAA structure:

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

Program Activities :

• Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund
• Gas Tax Fund

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

Program Activities :

• Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component
• Building Canada Fund-Communities Component
• Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund
• Green Infrastructure Fund
• Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
• Border Infrastructure Fund
• Economic Analysis and Research

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

Program Activities :

• Infrastructure Stimulus Fund
• Building Canada Fund-Communities Component Top-Up

The strategic outcomes speak to long-term infrastructure investments, which include stable and predictable funding programs such as the Gas Tax Fund as well as strategic and targeted programs such as the Building Canada Fund.  They also speak to short-term, timely and targeted programs such as the significant funding being provided under the Economic Action Plan.

Overall, the program activities result in the construction, renewal and/or enhancement of public infrastructure, contributing to broad government objectives of a competitive economy, a cleaner environment and liveable communities.

2.2 Program Activities for Strategic Outcome 1

2.2.1 Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund

- Predictable funding for Provinces and Territories -

This fund provides a pre-determined level of base funding of $175 million (between 2007-08 and 2013-14) to each province and territory for infrastructure initiatives.  In addition, over $26 million in per capita funding under the Building Canada Fund for the three territories is managed under this fund.

The program was designed to help restore the fiscal balance while enhancing Canada’s public infrastructure system.  It also enhances economic competitiveness and productivity, and promotes cleaner air, water and land and stronger and healthier communities.  While payments are made to provinces and territories, ultimate recipients also include local and regional governments or private sector bodies. 

As part of the Economic Action Plan, each province and territory was provided the opportunity to accelerate funding under this program to provide short-term economic stimulus.  As a result, eight jurisdictions have signed accelerated funding agreements.

In order for federal funding to flow, provinces and territories submit a list of infrastructure initiatives through a capital plan which must be accepted by the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.  Once capital plans are accepted by the Minister, payments are made in advance of project implementation.  Provinces and territories may pool, bank, or cash-manage these funds to give them flexibility in implementation.

Planning Highlights:

• Work with provinces and territories to commit their PT Base funding allocations up to and including fiscal year 2011-12;
• Review and approve provincial/territorial Expenditures Reports;
• Transfer all payments scheduled for 2011-12; and
• Ensure the sound administration of the PT Base Fund by maintaining ongoing focus on program stewardship and prudent management.

Benefits for Canadians:  The Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund was designed to provide stable, predictable annual funding.  It also offers 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 all road infrastructure and the safety-related rehabilitation of infrastructure.  By accelerating funding through the Economic Action Plan, the department provided important financial stimulus to the economy and contributed to the long-term prosperity of communities.

In 2011-12, investments under infrastructure categories such as wastewater, public transit and drinking water will support the goals of Maintaining Water Quality and Availability and Addressing Climate Change and Clean Air under the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS).

2.2.2 Gas Tax Fund

- Stable, Predictable and Long-Term Funding for Municipalities -

This fund provides municipalities with predictable long-term funding, enabling local decision-making in the building and rehabilitation of core public infrastructure.  The federal government 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 the Government of Canada to flow Gas Tax Fund money twice a year to signatories which in turn, flow funds to municipalities based on an agreed-upon allocation formula.  For their part, municipalities decide which projects to prioritize within established investment categories.

Projects focus on ensuring cleaner air, cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing communities’ long-term planning capacities.  Municipalities can pool, bank and borrow against this funding, providing significant additional financial flexibility.  Eligible recipients 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 intends to make it ongoing.

Planning Highlights:

• Continue collaboration between the federal, provincial and territorial partners ensuring municipal governments have ongoing access to funds for infrastructure; and
• Ensure recipient organizations have access to stable and predictable funding to build and improve municipal infrastructure.

Benefits for Canadians:  Through this program, Infrastructure Canada provides municipalities with predictable long-term funding while empowering them with local decision-making to better plan and invest in environmentally sustainable core public infrastructure.  Since its inception, more than 7,000 federally funded projects have contributed to cleaner water and air while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Canada’s cities and communities.

In 2011-12, investments in environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure projects in areas such as public transit, drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, green energy as well as local roads and bridges under the Gas Tax Fund will support the goals of Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality and Maintaining Water Quality and Availability under Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS).  For example, a nine meter bridge project in the rural municipality of Big Arm No. 251, Saskatchewan will save its residents 1,139,200 km of annual travel while contributing to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

2.3 Program Activities for Strategic Outcome 2

2.3.1 Building Canada Fund-Communities Component

- Supporting the Infrastructure Needs of Smaller Communities -

This Fund addresses the unique infrastructure pressures facing smaller communities with populations of less than 100,000.  Projects costs are cost-shared with provincial, territorial and municipal government, with each order of government contributing 1/3 of the eligible costs.  The fund supports the construction, renewal and enhancement of basic infrastructure needs such as potable water, wastewater treatment, local roads and other infrastructure needs of small communities.

Planning Highlights: 

• Continue to collaborate with Federal Delivery Partners ensuring accountability regimes are clearly established and executed;
• Conduct consistent project monitoring ensuring compliance to program Terms and Conditions; and
• Oversee the scheduled completion of hundreds of projects.

Benefits for Canadians:  The Building Canada Fund-Communities Component helps smaller communities invest in local roads, disaster mitigation, wastewater treatments and recreation infrastructure.  Since its inception communities with populations of less than 100,000 people have benefited from nearly 900 projects.

In 2011-12, investments in infrastructure under the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component in areas such as wastewater, solid waste management and green energy will support the goals of Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality and Maintaining Water Quality and Availability under Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS).  For example, a sewer collection system in the district of Sicamous, British Columbia, scheduled to be completed in late 2011, will extend the sewage system into areas currently serviced by the failing onsite septic systems.

2.3.2 Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component

- Supporting Nationally and Regionally Significant Projects -

This fund targets larger infrastructure projects of national and regional significance.  It increases overall investment in public infrastructure and contributes to broad federal objectives: economic growth, a cleaner environment and strong and prosperous communities.

At least two-thirds of the funding is targeted to national priorities: water, wastewater, public transit, the core national highway system and green energy.  The Buliding Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component has 11 additional eligible categories of investment, and priority projects are identified through discussions with provinces.

By providing federal funding on a cost-shared basis, it leverages additional contributions from other partners to increase overall investment in infrastructure.  Projects must be supported by a business case which is reviewed against key program criteria.

As part of the Economic Action Plan, the government has made a commitment to accelerate funding.  As part of this commitment, the department has streamlined the federal evaluation and approval of projects under this fund, simplifying and developing a more efficient review process to help projects get started sooner.

Planning Highlights: 

• 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: 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 Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component supports large scale infrastructure projects that contribute to the government’s priorities: strong economic and productivity growth, a healthy and sustainable environment and stronger Canadian communities.  At least two-thirds of the funding is intended to address national priorities to allow Canadians to benefit from infrastructure development in the most crucial areas -- specifically, drinking water, wastewater, public transit, core highway systems and green energy. Approximately 90.5% of Infrastructure Canada’s funding commitments to date are for projects in these categories.

In 2011-12, investments in infrastructure such as wastewater, drinking water, public transit, and green energy under the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component will support the goals of Maintaining Water Quality and Availability under the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.  For example, a wastewater infrastructure project in Duffin Creek, Ontario, scheduled to be completed in late 2011, will improve the quality of treated wastewater effluent discharged into Lake Ontario.

2.3.3 Green Infrastructure Fund

- Investing in the Green Infrastructure of Tomorrow -

This fund was announced in Budget 2009 as a five-year, $1 billion fund supporting  infrastructure projects that promote cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner water.  Targeted investments in green infrastructure can contribute to improving the quality of the environment and lead to a more sustainable economy over the longer term.

There are five eligible categories of investment: wastewater infrastructure, green energy generation infrastructure, green energy transmission infrastructure, solid waste infrastructure, and carbon transmission and storage infrastructure.  By providing up to 50% federal funding on a cost-shared basis, the fund leverages additional investments from other partners.  Eligible recipients include 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.

Projects can be identified through a variety of channels, but provinces and territories are the main proponents, as their funding and support for projects is key to leveraging funds and ensuring that projects are of national or regional significance.  The fund is allocated based on assessment criteria such as eligibility, leveraging financial investments and project benefits.  The Green Infrastructure Fund was designed to incorporate the streamlined approach to federal evaluation and approval of projects originally adopted for Building Canada Plan programs.  Of the $1 billion fund, $797 million has been committed including $627 million for projects managed under the program and
$170 million in transfers to other federal departments to support high-priority initiatives, such as the Forestry Industry Transformation program managed by Natural Resources Canada, and the Temporary Initiative for the Strengthening of Quebec’s Forest Economies managed by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

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: 

• 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 Green Infrastructure Fund specifically targets projects that will improve the quality of the environment and lead to a more sustainable economy over the long-term.

In 2011-12, investments under the wastewater infrastructure category of the Green Infrastructure Fund will support the FSDS theme of Maintaining Water Quality and Availability.  For example, announced wastewater infrastructure projects that will improve the quality of water in the Great Lakes will be implemented over the 2011-12 planning period.

2.3.4 Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund

- Enhancing Quality of Life and Economic Prosperity -

This fund supports projects that sustain economic growth and enhance 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.  The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund leverages 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 2012-13.

Planning Highlights: 

• Apply consistent project monitoring to closing-out projects;
• Oversee project completion and close-out adhering to consistent monitoring and review procedures; and
• Assemble and analyze project information for reporting purposes.

Benefits for Canadians:  Through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and in collaboration with its federal, provincial, territorial and municipal partners, Infrastructure Canada contributes to the construction, renewal and enhancement of public infrastructure by funding projects of major national and regional significance.  Since its inception, 76 large scale projects improved the quality of life of Canadians while contributing to economic prosperity.

2.3.5 Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund

- Long-term Commitment to Communities -

Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).  This fund supports small-scale municipal infrastructure projects designed to promote and improve quality of life in both urban and rural communities.  The program initially provided $1 billion in federal funding and was augmented with an additional $200 million in January 2007.  At least 80% of funding under the fund 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.  Its long-term commitment to public infrastructure helps promote sustainable economic growth, innovation and healthy communities.  Projects contribute to the construction, renewal and/or enhancement of public infrastructure to build capacity in partnership with recipients.  The fund was announced in 2003, and has been extended until 2013-14.  It is delivered through a partnership with federal regional development agencies (ACOA, CEDQR, FedDev Ontario, WED and CanNor in the northern territories and for First Nations).

Planning Highlights: 

• Continue to manage projects subject to federal-provincial-territorial contribution agreements;
• Continue to work with Federal Delivery Partners on the project close-out adhering to consistent monitoring and review procedures; and
• Assemble and analyze project information for reporting purposes.

Benefits for Canadians:  The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund provides funding for small-scale municipal infrastructure projects designed to promote and improve quality of life in smaller and urban and rural communities with populations of less than 250,000 people.  Since its inception, more than 2,000 projects contributed to improved drinking water, solid waste management, public transit, local roads, culture, tourism and green energy.

2.3.6 Border Infrastructure Fund

- Improving Canada’s Border Crossings -

This fund provides $675 million of funding for investments in physical infrastructure, 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.  This program activity began in 2003, and is scheduled to end in 2013-14.  Transport Canada is the federal partner for this program.

Planning Highlights: 

• Monitor the implementation of project-specific agreements in partnership with Transport Canada;
• Oversee the scheduled completion of projects subject to terms of agreement ensuring claims are processed efficiently and timely; and
• Assemble and analyze project information for reporting purposes.

Benefits for Canadians:  The Border Infrastructure Fund advances economic and trade relationships with the United States by investing in physical infrastructure, intelligent transportation system infrastructure and improved analytical capacity.  Since its inception, 13 projects enhanced border infrastructure and improved the flow of trade between Canada and the United States, contributing to federal security and increased safety for Canadians.

2.3.7 Economic Analysis and Research

- Supporting Delivery and Management of Infrastructure Programs -

This program activity provides economic analysis and research in support of the delivery and management of infrastructure programs.  

Planning Highlights: 

• Specific programs to be delivered under Economic Analysis and Research will be considered during the planning period.

Benefits for Canadians:  Economic Analysis and Research promotes innovation and progress in the delivery, management and maintenance of world-class public infrastructure.

2.4 Program Activities for Strategic Outcome 3²⁴

2.4.1 Infrastructure Stimulus Fund

- Sustaining the Economy in Tough Times -

This fund provides significant, timely and targeted funding to support 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 building new infrastructure that is construction-ready and can be substantially completed by October 31, 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.  By providing up to 50% federal funding to construction-ready projects, it leverages funding from other partners, and is able to generate a much greater overall impact on the Canadian economy through infrastructure spending.

Economic Action Plan (EAP): The $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund of the Economic Action Plan provides a short-term boost to the economy by accelerating funding to construction-ready infrastructure projects targeting the rehabilitation and construction of provincial, territorial, municipal, community and some federal infrastructure assets.  While the majority of construction on Infrastructure Stimulus Fund projects is expected to be completed by March 31, 2011, the construction deadline on infrastructure projects has been extended to October 31, 2011, thus allowing for an extra construction season to ensure timely and responsible project completion.

Planning Highlights: 

• Ensure proper financial oversight of the intensive close-out process for thousands of short-term projects;
• Continue to collaborate with federal, provincial and territorial partners ensuring accountability regimes are clearly established and executed; and
• Identify lessons learned and best practices that can be of use in the development and implementation of new programs.

Benefits for Canadians:  Through this short-term economic stimulus program, Infrastructure Canada contributes to the long-term prosperity of communities by fast-tracking infrastructure funding.  Since its inception more than 4,100 modern public infrastructure projects have contributed to social, cultural and environmental benefits to provinces, territories and particularly smaller jurisdictions.

2.4.2 Building Canada Fund-Communities Component Top-Up

- Stimulating the Economy and Supporting Small Communities -

This program activity provides additional federal funding in the amount of $500 million (added to the original Building Canada Fund-Communities Component) to fund additional infrastructure projects in 2009-10 and 2010-11 in communities with populations of less than 100,000, with infrastructure needs related to 18 approved categories of project investment.  The additional Top-Up funds are part of the Economic Action Plan (EAP) and are providing targeted economic stimulus.  The funds are being allocated to projects that were ready to get started at the time the Top-Up was announced, and that can be substantially completed by October 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): Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government topped up the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component to accelerate infrastructure projects in small communities while providing needed short-term stimulus to Canada’s economy.  An additional $500 million was committed to fund construction-ready two-year infrastructure projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000 people.  All Building Canada Fund-Communities Component funding had to be committed before access to Top-Up funding could occur.  While the majority of construction on Communities Component Top-Up projects is expected to be completed by March 31, 2011, the construction deadline on infrastructure projects has been extended to October 31, 2011, thus allowing for an extra construction season to ensure timely and responsible project completion.

Planning Highlights: 

• Continue to collaborate with Federal Delivery Partners ensuring accountability regimes are clearly established and executed;
• Ensure proper financial oversight of the intensive close-out process for hundreds of short-term projects; and
• Identify lessons learned and best practices that can be of use in the development and implementation of other programs.

Benefits for Canadians:  Through this short-term economic stimulus program, Infrastructure Canada contributes to the long-term prosperity of smaller communities with populations of less than 100,000 people through immediate funding of small short-term construction-ready projects.  To-date, more than 530 community projects nearing completion continue to benefit communities throughout the country.

2.5 Internal Services

The Planned Spending for 2012-13 and 2013-14 represents a preliminary estimate only.  Historically Infrastructure Canada’s Internal Services program activity is supported from an annual allocation of administrative funding which is set aside for the delivery of specific major infrastructure programs.

The planning highlights for Internal Service are focused on seven key activities:

Internal Audit : During the planning period, the Internal Audit Directorate will:

• Provide, as part of the Risk-Based Audit Plan, assurance, advisory and consulting services to support senior management in reaching departmental objectives—there will be an emphasis on claims processing and close-out procedures;
• Ensure a rigorous follow-up of audit recommendations and related management action plans resulting from prior engagements;
• Continue the implementation of a quality assurance and improvement program to cover major aspects of the internal audit function and continuously monitor the effectiveness and formalization of the audit methodology; and
• Efficiently provide value-added services to support management in implementing performance measures for the programs offered under the EAP through various audits, reviews and readiness/risk assessments.

For additional information on Internal Audit activities please refer to the RPP electronic supplementary information tables which may be found on the Treasury Board Secretariat’s web site at:  http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/2011-2012/inst/inf/inf00-eng.asp.

Evaluation : During the planning period, the Evaluation Directorate will:

• Develop a revised Risk-Based Evaluation Plan to provide value-for-money assessments of Infrastructure Canada’s direct spending and an annual report on the state of performance measurement of all current programs in support of evaluation; 
• Report on the progress of implementation of evaluation recommendations and related management action plans;
• Assist program management in the collection of reliable performance data for Infrastructure Canada’s programs; and
• Complete the evaluation of Infrastructure Canada’s initiatives related to the Economic Action Plan (Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, Building Canada Fund-Communities Component Top-Up portion, and the funding for National Trails Coalition).

For additional information on Evaluation activities please refer to the RPP electronic supplementary information tables which may be found on the Treasury Board Secretariat’s web site at:  http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/2011-2012/inst/inf/inf00-eng.asp.

Corporate Risk Profile : During the planning period, the Corporate Risk Profile will:

• Ensure that the Corporate Risk Profile adequately reflects the risks associated with the Economic Action Plan and post-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 : During the planning period, the Communications Directorate will:

• Continue to implement a long-term communications strategy built on four pillars of communicating with Canadians about results of funding; sharing program information with stakeholders; raising awareness of the federal role in infrastructure; and supporting employee engagement;
• Focus efforts to strengthen the management of websites by improving and significantly refreshing the web content; 
• Support departmental efforts to show the results of funding programs through broadening the range of communications channels used, including publications;
• Continue to deliver a high volume of media relations activities, ensuring that information about the thousands of funded projects is readily available to journalists of both national and local media outlets;  
• Ramp up efforts to ensure the application of communications protocols for major, long-term infrastructure projects as they enter their construction phases are followed;
• Build on the momentum made in improving internal communications that support organizational effectiveness and employee engagement and retention, by continuing improvements to the internal website, and its branch subsites; and.
• Increase its capacity to respond to ATIP inquiries through increased dedicated resources and will offer training for employees in all parts of the organization.

Information Management (IM) and Information Technology (IT) : During the planning period, the Information Management/Information Technology Directorate will:

• Continue using its information management and information technology products and services to support Infrastructure Canada’s priorities;
• Continue the development and support of information technology and services, including the Shared Information Management System for Infrastructure (SIMSI) database system; and
• Implement an electronic document and records management system (EDRMS) for Infrastructure Canada.

Financial Management : During the planning period, the Finance and Administration Division will:

• Enhance the timeliness and functionality of internal financial reporting systems by:
  • Increasing the automation of monthly corporate financial reports;
  • Expanding the use of the department’s new Financial Planning and Analysis Application solution for tracking and reporting on program funds; and
  • Implement a new Salary Resource Management Systems for planning and forecasting the department’s salary requirements.
• Provide secretariat support and advice to the Project Review Panel for the review of infrastructure projects;
• Develop and implement new and enhanced controls and services levels with respect to its accounting operations and external financial reporting functions, including production of quarterly financial reports;
• Strengthen overall internal financial management capacity through training, staffing vacant positions, engaging consultants for specialized assignments, and implementing new internal controls; and
• Continue to make improvements in overall administration by reviewing and revising its general administrative controls and procedures.

People Management : During the planning period, the Human Resources Division will:

• Deliver on the department’s Integrated Business and Human Resources Plan (IBHRP) and people management strategies necessary to support a flexible and adaptable workforce, employee development and growth, and employee engagement;
• Focus on maintaining current employee capacity through the implementation of a recruitment strategy which includes recruiting through various programs, as well as traditional staffing processes;
• Ensure recruitment reflects Canada’s diversity by clearly identifying the imperative for diversity in recruitment efforts, and identifying employment equity as an organizational requirement for the appointment processes;
• Ensure the department’s culture continues to embrace diversity and a bilingual work environment by investing in language training for employees, actively encouraging all employees to work in the language of their choice, and acting as a role model for each other;
• Develop, implement and communicate a departmental Code of Conduct to support Values and Ethics initiatives to guide employees in their professional activities, and maintain and enhance public confidence in the integrity of the public service;
• Implement Infrastructure Canada’s Learning Strategy designed to promote a strong learning culture, better coordinate and communicate activities and resources, and provide targeted, relevant and innovative learning opportunities; and
• Support Public Service Renewal and improve People Management.

Benefits for Canadians – All Internal Services :

• Infrastructure Canada’s seven key activities for internal services provide strategic management direction and supports effective and efficient program design and delivery.  They ensure proper stewardship and accountability of public funds, and build human resources capacity and leadership for the successful delivery of the department’s programs.