ARCHIVED - RPP 2006-2007
Infrastructure Canada

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Section II: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Infrastructure Canada has established the following three program activity areas:

Infrastructure Investments

This Program Activity consists of all infrastructure programming delivered through transfer payments as well as the related program management and monitoring functions. The Activity contributes to the construction, renewal and enhancement of public infrastructure in Canada and builds capacity for addressing infrastructure issues in partnership with others.

Policy, Knowledge and Partnership Development

This Program Activity consists of activities undertaken in policy development, knowledge, research and analysis, and partnership development. The Activity develops policies based on research and strong partnerships to address existing and emerging challenges and opportunities. This Activity also encompasses activities undertaken with provinces, territories, municipalities, First Nations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement a vision for ensuring the economic, social, cultural and evironmental sustainability of cities and communities.

Departmental Administration

This Program Activity encompasses the Office of the Deputy Head, Communications, Corporate Services, and Legal Services. The Activity promotes excellence in program and corporate management in support of Infrastructure Canada’s priorities. Section IV provides information on the Activity and key management initiatives.

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Infrastructure Investments

This Program Activity consists of three types of infrastructure programs, together with the supporting program operations and management functions.

Financial Resources (in $ thousands)

2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009
2,453,936	2,486,643	2,626,520

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009
147	154	161

1. Community Based Investments

The first type of programs managed by Infrastructure Canada addresses community undertakings, most of them on a smaller scale and of local impact. These programs represent a move towards more formal partnerships with other governments and cities and communities.

There are two funds under this group: the Infrastructure Canada Program (ICP), and its 2003 successor, the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). Both have a strong focus on investments in municipal infrastructure that enhance environmental quality and quality of human life.

Infrastructure Canada Program

The $2.05-billion ICP was created in 2000 to enhance infrastructure in Canada’s urban and rural communities, and to improve quality of life through investments that protect the environment and support long-term community and economic growth (see Table 3). As of March 31, 2006, all ICP funding has been committed to more than 3,800 projects across Canada. This program is scheduled to conclude March 31, 2009. (For details on ICP, refer to http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/icp/index_e.shtml?menu34.)

The ICP’s first priority is support for municipal infrastructure addressing environmental quality needs. A minimum of 50% of federal expenditures is devoted to projects such as water and wastewater systems, solid waste management and recycling, and capital expenditures to retrofit or improve the energy efficiency of buildings and facilities owned by local governments. Other ICP priorities include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, rural and remote telecommunications, and affordable housing.

Funding for the ICP was transferred to the five federal delivery partners responsible for program delivery: Western Economic Diversification Canada (for projects in the Western provinces); Industry Canada (for Ontario projects); Canada Economic Development – Quebec (for Quebec projects); the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (for projects in Atlantic provinces); and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (for First Nations and the three territories). Detailed reporting on expenditures is also included in the Reports on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Reports for those organizations.

Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund

The current MRIF reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to urban and rural growth. The fund focuses on projects that support sustainable development and quality of life, with a minimum 60% of its nation-wide expenditures devoted to projects addressing environmental quality objectives. The fund was allocated $1 billion for smaller-scale municipal infrastructure projects designed to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities in smaller centres, including a component addressing the infrastructure needs of First Nations communities (see Table 3). (For details on MRIF, refer to http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/mrif-fimr/index_e.shtml?menu35.)

Following the Treasury Board’s approval of terms and conditions for the program, which provides funds for contributions to the projects and administrative costs, agreements have been signed with eight provinces and the three territories. The fund is cost-shared, with the Government of Canada contributing, generally, one-third of a project’s eligible costs. As of March 31, 2006, more than 300 projects have been approved for MRIF funding. Terms and conditions for the First Nations component of MRIF are expected to be completed by Fall 2006.

Improvements in core public infrastructure in areas such as water and wastewater make our communities vibrant and productive places to live and work and raise families.

MRIF ensures that all Canadians, whether they live in large, small orremote communities, will share in the benefits of infrastructure investments.

As part of its infrastructure programming activities, Infrastructure Canada also works to build capacity and foster knowledge acquisition on infrastructure and communities issues among municipalities and other partners. A Municipal Capacity Building component under the MRIF seeks to encourage the use of integrated asset management by small-scale Canadian municipalities. The goal is to:

• Promote the implementation of integrated approaches to public infrastructure planning and management;
• Encourage the use of asset management in support of decision making;
• Promote the integration of demand management in public infrastructure planning and management; and
• Encourage the sharing of project results with other municipalities and the public.

Up to 1% of the jurisdictional allocation under the MRIF is available for capacity building activities.

Budget 2006 renewed the MRIF, with a commitment of an additional $2.2 billion in funding over five years, effectively tripling the amount of funding that will be invested under the program. It is expected that the Government of Canada will announce decisions on how to invest the new funds in the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

Planned Activities

Planned activities under the community based programs for 2006-2007 include:

• Concluding agreements under the current MRIF with remaining jurisdictions;
• Completing Memoranda of Understanding with federal partners to deliver MRIF funds;
• Designing and implementing an appropriate program to deliver MRIF to First Nations; and
• Sound administration of the MRIF and ICP programs.

Table 3: Allocation of Community-based Infrastructure Investments, by Jurisdiction

(Total Federal Funding Allocation (in $ millions))

Jurisdiction	ICP	MRIF4
Western Economic Diversification Canada
British Columbia	$268.5	$111.2
Alberta	171.0	87.9
Saskatchewan	56.7	38.0
Manitoba	60.9	41.2
Industry Canada / Ontario	680.7	298.2
Canada Economic Development / Quebec	515.5	194.8
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
New Brunswick	54.5	33.0
Nova Scotia	65.3	37.5
Prince Edward Island	12.8	18.4
Newfoundland & Labrador	51.3	27.8
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Yukon	2.5	15.6
Northwest Territories	3.1	15.7
Nunavut	2.1	15.7
First Nations5	31.1	25.0
Subtotal 1,976.0 960.0
InfraGuide6	12.5	-
Federal Coordination	61.5	40.0
Total	2,050.0	1,000.0

⁴ Amounts do not include new funds allocated to MRIF in Budget 2006.

⁵ Program design and Treasury Board approval for the First Nations MRIF is expected by Fall 2006.

⁶ Additional funding has been provided for InfraGuide above the initial allocation from ICP.

2. Large-Scale Strategic Programs

The second type of funding programs supports large-scale strategic investments of a regional and national scale in support of key federal objectives such as trade, security, productivity and sustainable development.

There are two funds under this group: the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF); and the Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF).

Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund

The current CSIF is directed to projects of major national and regional significance in areas that are vital to sustainingeconomic growth and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians.These investments have been made in cooperation with theprovinces and territories, municipalities, and the private sector. Eachproject partnership is governed by specifically tailored arrangements.Maximum federal funding is set at 50% of total eligible projectcosts, except for broadband and northern infrastructure projectswhere funding can go up to a maximum of 75%. The CSIF operatesunder the authority of the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund Act.

The CFIS is supporting large-scale projects across the country inareas such as urban transit and sewage treatment. It has also supported projects identified as national priorities, including theRed River Floodway project in Manitoba, the National SatelliteInitiative to provide broadband access to Northern and remotecommunities, and the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway inBanff National Park in Alberta⁷.

CSIF seeks to improve the quality of the environment by encouragingapproaches to building or renewing infrastructure in a mannerthat considers tangible improvements to the environment. Whereapplicable, projects should clearly demonstrate how they contributetowards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

CSIF investments are targeted to large-scale infrastructure projects across the country that are critical to Canada’s quality of life and to its prospects for sustained economic growth.

The Canada Line, a CSIF funded project, will connect downtown Vancouver with downtown Richmond. Projects like this help to reduce congestion and its associated impacts and make growth more manageable, boosting our cities’ liveability, sustainability and competitiveness.

⁷ Details of these and other announced projects can be found at http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/csif/projectmaps/project_desc_prov_e.shtml.

CSIF’s delivery model is based on a partnership arrangement between Infrastructure Canada and other government departments that have a direct mandate in a given field or departments and agencies that have a regional development mandate. In the case of transport-related projects, Transport Canada provides the project lead. For advanced telecommunications projects, the lead is provided by Industry Canada. Interdepartmental Memoranda of Understanding are negotiated to clarify accountabilities. There are no set jurisdictional allocations for the CSIF program. (For details on CSIF, refer to http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/csif/index_e.shtml?menu33.)

Budget 2006 committed to a renewal of CSIF with an additional $2.3 billion in funding. Cabinet and Treasury Board approval is expected to be sought in the upcoming year.

Border Infrastructure Fund

The BIF was established as a $600-million fund to target the six largest surface border crossings between Canada and the United States, as well as several other crossings. It has provided funding for investments in physical infrastructure, intelligent transportation system infrastructure, and improved analytical capacity. The fund reflects the importance of Canada’s border crossings, ports and highway approaches to economic growth, trade and security both nationally and, as gateways, internationally. There are no set jurisdictional allocations for the BIF program. (For details on BIF, refer to http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/bif/index_e.shtml?menu32.)

Infrastructure Canada will continue to manage the BIF program, in partnership with Transport Canada, under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding.

BIF invests in border infrastructure that is critical to our growing economic and trade relationship with the United States. BIF investments aim to reduce border congestion and expand infrastructure capacity over the medium term.

Planned Activities

Planned activities under the large-scale strategic programs for 2006-2007 include:

• Continuing to work with the provinces and territories to determine the projects to receive the remaining uncommitted funds under the CSIF and BIF, seeking Treasury Board approval for these projects, and developing related contribution agreements;
• Sound administration of the CSIF and BIF programs;
• Completing Memoranda of Understanding with federal partners to deliver CSIF funds; and
• Completing a Memorandum of Understanding with Transport Canada to ensure greater coordination and integration of policies, programs, and investment decisions under the accountability of a single Minister.

3. Gas Tax and Public Transit Funds

The third type of infrastructure programming managed by Infrastructure Canada involves agreements with provincial and territorial governments, provincial/territorial municipal associations, and the City of Toronto for a total of $5 billion in transfers over five years from the federal gas tax to benefit Canada’s communities, as well as $400 million of federal contributions to public transit (see Table 4).

Gas Tax Fund

The Gas Tax Fund (GTF) is a $5-billion transfer payment program, delivered from 2005-2006 to 2009-2010, established to make available a portion of the federal gas tax for the benefit of municipalities. This fund will enable municipalities to make the long-term financialcommitments needed to address local needs such as containing urbansprawl and to invest in environmentally sustainable infrastructurethat will contribute to the shared national outcomes of cleaner air,cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Eligibleproject categories include public transit, water and sewers, solidwaste, community energy systems, and local roads and bridges.

A capacity building component was also established within the GTF.The fund enables municipalities to take a long-term, integratedand strategic approach for these new investments by supportingthem in building their capacity to develop Integrated Community Sustainability Plans (ICSP).

The GTF initiative is designed to help municipalities and communities make investments in infrastructure that leads to cleaner air, cleaner water, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Funding will be governed by agreements with provincial governments, provincial/municipal associations, and the City of Toronto, which will make these funds available to cities and communities (see Table 4).

Budget 2006 confirmed the gas tax funding commitment for the remaining four years.

Public Transit Fund

The Public Transit Fund (PTF) is a $400-million transfer payment program designed to provide funding to improve public transit services to Canadians (see Table 4). The PTF offers potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and smog in urban areas by improving services and offering Canadians greater flexibility in their transportation options. Investments will make public transit more attractive and can induce a shift from auto travel to more fuel-efficient and cost-effective transit. Increased use of public transit can also lead to a reduction of congestion levels, thus further improving energy use and air quality. In addition, public transit plays an important role in the economic development and competitiveness of urban areas. Public transit objectives also help support objectives such as social inclusion by contributing to the physical mobility of disadvantaged groups such as the young and elderly, the poor and disabled.

The PTF Transfer Payment Program was designed to build on the GTF agreements, and its terms and conditions mirror those of the latter. The Government of Canada’s role in the day-to-day delivery and administration of the fund is limited, but funding is governed by agreements that set out a rigorous accountability protocol that will enable the Minister to report to Parliament on how this funding is being spent.

Budget 2006 supplemented the PTF with the new Public Transit Capital Trust, a one-time payment of up to $900 million to provinces and territories to be paid into a third party trust, contingent on sufficient funds being available from the 2005-2006 surplus. The Trust is meant to support capital investments in public transit infrastructure, including rapid transit and buses. Finance Canada will be responsible for managing the new Public Transit Capital Trust. Infrastructure Canada will continue to manage the original PTF program.

Investments in public transit not only reduce congestion and smog but also contribute to the overall social and economic health of cities and communities.

Planned Activities

Planned activities under the GTF and PTF for 2006-2007 include:

• Concluding GTF and PTF agreements with those jurisdictions that had not yet signed agreements as of March 31, 2006;
• Sound Administration of the GTF and PTF programs; and
• Using Oversight Committees to monitor the strategic implementation of the GTF and PTF agreements, discuss issues regarding infrastructure coordination, and enhance the collaboration with provinces, territories and municipalities.

To provide First Nations with the most appropriate and effective funding mechanism, Infrastructure Canada is collaborating with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Assembly of First Nations to develop program parameters for the GTF (and MRIF) that take into consideration the needs of these communities.

Table 4: Allocation of Gas Tax Fund and Public Transit Fund Investments, by Jurisdiction

(Total Federal Funding Allocation (in $ millions))

Jurisdiction	GTF	PTF
British Columbia	635.6	52.5
Alberta	476.9	40.1
Saskatchewan	147.7	12.5
Manitoba	167.3	14.7
Ontario	1,865.5	155.2
Quebec	1,151.0	94.4
New Brunswick	116.1	9.4
Nova Scotia	145.2	11.7
Prince Edward Island	37.5	1.7
Newfoundland & Labrador	82.3	6.5
Yukon	37.5	0.4
Northwest Territories	37.5	0.5
Nunavut	37.5	0.4
First Nations8	62.5	0.09
Total	5,000.0	400.0

⁸ Program design and Treasury Board approval for the First Nations GTF is expected by Fall 2006.

⁹ First Nations may access the PTF through the provincial/territorial allocations.

Expected Results and Performance Measurement

Table 5 summarizes the expected results and preliminary performance indicators for the investment programs managed by Infrastructure Canada.

Results-Based Management and Accountability Frameworks (RMAFs) and Risk-Based Audit Frameworks (RBAFs) have been developed for all programs. These frameworks define expected results for each program and identify performance indicators. They help ensure effective management decision-making and demonstrate clear accountability in the program areas.

In 2006-2007, Infrastructure Canada will undertake a mid-term evaluation of MRIF. On the basis of this evaluation, it will update the program RMAF and RBAF to ensure that they maintain focus on measuring and reporting on outcomes throughout the lifecycle of the programs.

ICP, an older program nearing completion, operates under a Federal Governance and Accountability Framework that identifies roles and responsibilities. In collaboration with its ICP delivery partners, Infrastructure Canada developed an integrated RMAF-RBAF for the ICP extension, and completed the ICP Mid-term Evaluation. The results of these two processes indicated the need to be diligent to ensure program completion by the extended deadline of March 31, 2009, and the importance of working on a method to report outcome measures and being able to calculate cost effectiveness. In 2006-2007, Infrastructure Canada will work with regional development agencies to address ongoing ICP program and project monitoring, implementation and completion issues in a coordinated way.

Infrastructure Canada will negotiate with each jurisdiction on the core performance measures to be used for the various investment areas of the GTF. As well, Infrastructure Canada is consulting with other government departments, academia and key associations to share information and expertise on relevant performance measures for infrastructure investment. An internal evaluation of the GTF program will be undertaken in 2006-2007 to assess the implementation of the initiative and to ensure proper management systems. Also in the same year, an internal evaluation of the PTF will address the relevance of the core indicators and measurement strategy, and assess data integrity and performance and risk reporting.

Mid-term evaluations for CSIF and BIF will assess and determine results achieved to date. The evaluations will be performed in 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 respectively.

Table 5: Expected Results and Performance Indicators for Current Infrastructure Programs

Expected Results	Sample Performance Indicators
CSIF Safer and faster movement of people and goods on Canada’s major land transportation routes Less production of greenhouse gases and airborne pollutants More effective urban development Increased economic activity, including tourism Improved quality of life for northern communities Increased connectivity of remote and northern communities Improved regional conditions from national priority projects	Early indicators of performance Number of project announcements Number of signed contribution agreements Number of memoranda of understanding with other government departments and partners for delivery Number of Treasury Board submissions Approval of projects Intermediate indicators of performance Collaborative support of other government departments and key partners Resources levered from partners Timely completion of projects Compliance to scope of project Effective program and project management, risk management, monitoring and reporting Effective communications, awareness and understanding Program and project results and benefits compliance by agreement signatories
BIF More efficient facilities capable of handling greater capacity at major border crossings, helping trucks travel across the busiest Canada-US border points more quickly Improved Canada-US relations and better movement of goods, contributing to increased trade and production Improved border crossings, contributing to federal security and increased safety for all Canadians
ICP Enhancement of the quality of the environment (water and wastewater management, solid waste management and more efficient energy use) Support for long-term economic growth (increasing economic opportunity in communities, access to the new economy through improved telecommunications and tourism opportunities) Improvement of community infrastructure (increasing community safety and access to local recreational facilities, supporting Canadian heritage and culture and the development of minority English and French linguistic communities) Increased innovation, and use of new approaches and best practices, and the more efficient use of existing infrastructure
MRIF Improved and increased stock and better management of core public infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, cultural and recreation, which make our communities vibrant and productive places to live and work and raise families Improved quality of life and economic opportunities for smaller communities and First Nations Increased connectivity of smaller and rural communities	Ultimate indicators of performance Safe reliable transportation Sustainable economic development Sustainable use and quality of water, and efficient wastewater treatment Safe and efficient borders Improved innovation and delivery of public services via connectivity Efficient and sustainable energy systems Cleaner air Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
GTF Improved and increased stock and better management of core public infrastructure in areas such as water and wastewater, solid waste, community energy systems, public transit, and local roads and bridges Improved quality of the environment Cleaner water Cleaner air Reduced greenhouse gas emissions Enhanced community capacity to improve community sustainability planning
PTF Improved and more flexible transportation options for Canadians Reduced congestion Improved quality of the environment Less production of greenhouse gas emissions and airborne pollutants

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Policy, Knowledge and Partnership Development

This Program Activity consists of activities undertaken in policy development, knowledge, research and analysis and partnership development. The outcomes of this Activity are policies based on research and strong partnerships to address existing and emerging challenges and opportunities.

Net Cost of Program (in $ thousands):

2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009
16,342	4,804	4,844

Human Resources (full-time equivalents):

2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009
73	76	79

Policy

Infrastructure Canada maintains a policy function that: identifies and assesses needs with respect to infrastructure, and cities and communities; evaluates priorities and funding pressures; and develops policy options for Ministerial consideration.

The policy activities require a high degree of collaboration with other federal departments and agencies, as well as with provinces, territories, municipalities, municipal associations, First Nations, international organizations, and the private sector.

In the context of a rapidly changing global economy and society, the critical role of cities and communities in Canada’s competitiveness and quality of life is increasingly recognized. They play the role of key trade gateways, attract and retain skilled labour and foreign investment, encourage research and innovation, build critical, sustainable infrastructure, ensure public safety, protect environmental quality, support social inclusion and cultural diversity, and deliver key municipal services.

For all these reasons, the Government has an interest in supporting strong, healthy and sustainable cities and communities and making more effective use of intergovernmental relationships to advance core and shared responsibilities and interests. The policy framework for strong communities will focus on bringing greater clarity to government roles and responsibilities, enhancing intergovernmental collaboration, and integrating “place” and spatial considerations into the design and implementation of Government of Canada policies, programs and investments.

The External Advisory Committee on Cities and Communities (EACCC), established by the Government of Canada in February 2004, is an independent committee with 15 members from different parts of Canada, and from communities large and small. Its mandate is:

• To develop a long-term vision of the role that cities and communities should play in sustaining Canada’s quality of life;
• To provide advice on the kinds of policies that should be developed relating to cities and communities; and
• To advise on engaging provincial and territorial governments and Aboriginal peoples on the cities and communities agenda.

It is anticipated that EACCC will submit its report on the future of Canada’s cities and communities to the Prime Minister in June 2006.

Knowledge

In supporting the development of strategic policies and strong partnerships, the Infrastructure Canada Research Strategy focuses on three objectives:

• Knowledge Generation – Building new knowledge that responds directly to priority gaps in the understanding of public infrastructure issues in Canadian communities that are key for policy purposes;
• Community Building – Fostering the development of a stronger, better-networked, multi-disciplinary community of researchers and other experts committed to meeting the needs of policy and decision makers; and
• Knowledge Dissemination and Transfer – Developing innovative, effective ways to share and communicate knowledge from national and international sources about infrastructure and communities to policy and decision makers, researchers, industry, non-governmental organizations, professional associations and the general public.

In support of the Research Strategy which is designed to enhance research and knowledge on infrastructure, and cities and communities, a five-year, $25-million funding initiative was initiated in fiscal year 2004-2005. The initiative currently consists of the Peer Reviewed Research Studies (PRRS) and Knowledge-building, Outreach and Awareness (KOA) programs. These programs have been designed to respond directly to several key gaps that must be filled in order to better position the Government of Canada to address current and future Canadian infrastructure pressures and city and community issues. (For more details on research funding programs, refer to http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/research-recherche/rko/index_e.shtml.)

Under the PRRS, funding is awarded by Infrastructure Canada on the basis of merit, through a competitive peer review process executed by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada with assistance from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

InfraGuide, created in 2001, is intended to enhance capacity of municipalities and others. It provides municipalities and communities with a national network of experts and a growing collection of best practice publications on integrated, lifecycle management of physical infrastructure assets. This unique Canadian resource, developed in collaboration with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the National Research Council, offers selective resources on Canadian experience and knowledge of infrastructure. (www.infraguide.ca)

For fiscal year 2006-2007, Infrastructure Canada’s research priorities are:

• Cities, communities and public infrastructure;
• The state of infrastructure in Canada’s communities;
• The economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts of infrastructure on communities;
• Financing mechanisms for infrastructure and communities;
• Technology, innovation and transformative infrastructure; and
• Governance issues related to infrastructure and communities.

Framework for strong communities

Partnership

Infrastructure Canada will continue to work in partnership with the provinces and territories, municipalities, First Nations and other stakeholders to develop and implement a vision for ensuring the economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability of Canada’s cities and communities. Infrastructure Canada is committed to working with partners at all levels to help ensure that communities have a stronger voice in decisions that affect them.

There are opportunities for more effective and innovative intergovernmental relationships to help address, together, the complex, interrelated challenges that can affect Canada’s economic prosperity and quality of life. The implementation of gas tax fund agreements has resulted in the creation of Oversight Committees that provide new opportunities for dialogue. Some agreements include a commitment for future collaboration via trilateral agreements to better co-ordinate existing federal, provincial and municipal policies, programs and investments in key urban centres.

Stronger partnerships will contribute to the following outcomes: clarified roles and accountabilities of federal/provincial/municipal governments and First Nations and more effective interventions by all parties; enhanced trilateral collaboration and integration on key inter-jurisdictional issues such as economic competitiveness and environment, urban regeneration (including brownfield redevelopment and safe neighbourhoods); enhanced federal coordination and a more strategic approach to federal action in cities and communities; and greater coherence in planning and program management between infrastructure funding and other economic, social, cultural and environmental investments in cities and communities.

Planned Activities

In 2006-2007, Infrastructure Canada will continue to strengthen its capacity to develop strategic policies based on sound knowledge and strong partnerships. Specific initiatives under this Program Activity will include:

• Developing a policy framework for ensuring the economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability of Canada’s cities and communities;
• Leading the formulation of a framework to assist communities in securing stable, predictable and long-term infrastructure funding;
• Strengthening collaboration with provinces, territories and municipalities through such initiatives as trilateral tables and the gas tax Oversight Committees responsible for monitoring the overall strategic implementation of GTF and PTF;
• Working with partners at all levels to ensure communities have a stronger voice in decisions that affect them;
• Providing policy support to the Minister through the development of, and consultations on, a long-term policy framework to meet Canada’s infrastructure needs;
• Developing a policy framework for Cabinet approval, and terms and conditions for Treasury Board approval, for the renewal of CSIF and MRIF, as per Budget 2006;
• Supporting the building of municipal capacity to plan for and achieve sustainability objectives, including sustainable infrastructure;
• Providing lead policy input to the development of Canada’s principles for community sustainability;
• Providing administrative and research assistance to the External Advisory Committee on Cities and Communities for the production of its final report;
• Providing support to the UN-HABITAT World Urban Forum III in June 2006 in Vancouver;
• Managing the third call for proposals under the Knowledge-building, Outreach and Awareness program and second call for proposals under the Peer Reviewed Research funding program, and monitoring the progress of funded research;
• Strengthening understanding of the workings of cities and municipalities through research of three aspects of built works (financing, engineering innovation, and environmental and risk management);
• Maintaining and enhancing strong partnerships with regional development agencies; and
• Continuing work with international bodies (e.g., Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Bank, UN-HABITAT) on cities and communities related issues and performance indicators.

Expected Results and Performance Measurement

Infrastructure Canada’s policy, knowledge and partnership activities contribute to the Strategic Outcome by ensuring that Canada’s infrastructure investment decisions and activities are supported by rigorous, integrated knowledge and analysis and with the understanding and collaboration of provinces, territories, municipalities, First Nations and other partners.

A Results-Based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF) and a Risk-Based Audit Framework (RBAF) have been developed for the Research-building, Outreach and Awareness program and the Peer Reviewed Research Studies program. These frameworks define expected results for each program, identify performance indicators, help ensure effective management decision-making, and demonstrate clear accountability in the program areas.

Further work is planned for performance measurement in the policy, knowledge and partnership activities. In 2006-2007, Infrastructure Canada will start developing a horizontal approach for reporting that encompasses all infrastructure programs under its responsibility.

Infrastructure Canada will also be building on the networks and collaborative efforts with other government departments to share knowledge and build on existing expertise, networks and common interests such as performance measurement.

Over the next two years, work will also continue with the World Bank on an international project that includes Canada’s three largest cities to develop and test city performance indicators. It is planned that the results of the World Bank study will be shared at the next World Urban Forum in Nanjing in 2008.

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