ARCHIVED - Infrastructure Canada

1. Name of horizontal initiative:

Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund

2. Name of lead department(s):

Infrastructure Canada

3. Lead department program activity:

Infrastructure Investments

4. Start date of the horizontal initiative: 2003-2004
5. End date of the horizontal initiative: 2012-2013
6. Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $5.2 Billion

7. Description of the horizontal initiative (including funding agreement):

The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), which received funding in the 2001 and 2003 federal budgets, is a $6.3 billion fund. It is a cost-shared contribution program for strategic infrastructure projects. As of January 20, 2008, the fund provided federal support to 71 projects.

Investments are directed to projects of major national and regional significance, and are to be made in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life for Canadians. CSIF is delivered through negotiated agreements with provincial, territorial or local governments, private partners or non-governmental organizations. Contribution agreements are tailored based on the project requirements.

The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Act outlines the prime categories of investments in projects that involve fixed capital assets that are used or operated for the benefit of the public. The categories eligible under the CSIF are:

• Highway and Rail Infrastructure;
  
• Local Transportation Infrastructure;
  
• Tourism or Urban Development Infrastructure;
  
• Water or Sewage Infrastructure; and
  
• Other categories approved by regulation, e.g. Advanced Telecommunications and High Speed Broadband, Northern Infrastructure.

More information on CSIF can be found at: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/csif-fcis/index_e.shtml.

8. Shared outcome(s):

The overall planned results INFC expects to achieve through CSIF are to invest in projects which:

facilitate the movement of goods and people on Canada’s National Highway System (NHS) for the purposes of increasing the productivity, economic efficiency, and safety of Canada’s surface transportation system;

facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods and people, ease congestion, or reduce greenhouse gases and airborne pollutants;

ensure that tourism continues to contribute to the economic well-being of Canadians and to serve as a bridge between Canada and the world;

ensure that drinking water is safe, clean, and reliable at drinking water facilities, and ensure sustainable treatment of wastewater; and

expand broadband networks in Canada.

9. Governance structure(s):

All CSIF projects are selected under the authority of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Prior to selecting projects, the Minister consults other Ministers who have an interest in the region or in the substantive project area. After project selection, Treasury Board (TB) approval is sought for each contribution. At the same time, incremental operating funds required for project oversight and management by the implementing departments/agencies are identified and sought in the TB submission.

CSIF is delivered in partnerships, involving primarily three sets of key collaborators:

1. Infrastructure Canada: As the coordinating and funding agent for the contribution, INFC is responsible for project review, selection, approval, public announcements, environmental assessment in some cases, and program evaluation. INFC leads the negotiation of contribution agreements with each of the funding recipients and develops, in coordination with the implementing department/agency, the submission to TB for the approval of funds. To monitor activities and milestones throughout the project life cycle, an INFC representative will sit on the project’s Agreement Steering Committee (ASC) usually as the federal co-chair, except for transportation projects where Transport Canada is the lead.
   
2. An implementing department/agency: INFC’s relationship with each implementing department or agency varies with their capacity and the complexity of the project. Responsibilities are also negotiated specifically for each project. The implementing department/agency may provide technical assistance in the analysis of the business case, determining the costs and benefits to be realized, and providing advice on the development of the contribution agreement and TB submission. The implementing department/agency will support implementation of the CSIF projects in a manner that upholds federal due diligence in such areas as: overseeing the implementation of mitigation measures identified in the environmental assessment, assessing the eligibility and reasonability of project costs, providing information pertaining to cash flow and budget, approving claims, making payments, and conducting audits and evaluation of the projects. The implementing department/agency would normally be represented on the project’s ASC. The implementing department/agency will also ensure adherence to information management requirements, including the use of the Shared Information Management System for Infrastructure (SIMSI), which captures, monitors and reports on project information. The implementing department/agency also provides communication support.
   
3. The funding recipient: The recipient may be provincial, territorial, or local government, a private partner, a non-government organization or a combination thereof. Once the project has been selected, INFC leads the negotiations to develop a contribution agreement. The funding recipient is responsible for ensuring that the project is completed as per the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement.

16. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

17. Contact information:

Jocelyne St Jean
Director General of Intergovernmental Operations

1. Name of horizontal initiative:

Border Infrastructure Fund

2. Name of lead department(s):

Infrastructure Canada

3. Lead department program activity:

Infrastructure Investments

4. Start date of the horizontal initiative: 2003-2004
5. End date of the horizontal initiative: 2013-2014
6. Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $600 Million

7. Description of the horizontal initiative (including funding agreement):

The Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF), which was announced in Budget 2001, is a $600 million cost-shared contribution program. It complements some of the Government of Canada’s other infrastructure programs, such as the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), and the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP), a Transport Canada program (see http://www.tc.gc.ca/SHIP/faq.htm for more information).

As part of “Canada’s commitment to address land border pressures, such as traffic congestion, and to continue to facilitate the large volume of trade across the Canada – United States border”, BIF contributions are directed at, or on routes leading to Canada’s border crossings, with a particular focus on the six largest:

• Windsor, Ontario;
  
• Sarnia, Ontario;
  
• Fort Erie, Ontario;
  
• Niagara Falls, Ontario;
  
• Douglas, British Columbia; and,
  
• Lacolle, Quebec.

BIF also directs some funding towards smaller and regionally important border crossings throughout Canada. Once completed, projects supported under BIF will help to alleviate traffic congestion, increase system capacity and further the Smart Border Declaration. (A Canada – US Declaration; see http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/anti-terrorism/declaration-en.asp).

More information on BIF can be found at: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/bif-fsif/index_e.shtml.

8. Shared outcome(s):

The overall planned results that INFC expects to achieve through the BIF are to invest in projects that contribute to safe and efficient border crossings. Expected outcomes are to alleviate border congestion and increase border crossing capacity, increase security and safety at border crossings, leading to cross border trade efficiencies.

9. Governance structure(s):

All BIF projects are selected under the authority of the Minister Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Prior to selecting projects, the Minister consults with other Ministers who have an interest in the region or in the substantive project area. After project selection, public announcements are made by the Minister Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Treasury Board approval is sought for each contribution. At the same time, incremental operating funds required for project oversight and management by Transport Canada are identified and sought in the Treasury Board submission.

BIF is delivered in partnerships, involving primarily three sets of key collaborators:

1. Infrastructure Canada: As the coordinating and funding agent for the contribution, INFC is responsible for project review and selection. INFC leads the negotiation of contribution agreements with each of the funding recipients and is responsible for the evaluation of the program. To monitor activities and milestones throughout the project life cycle, an INFC representative will sit on the project’s Agreement Steering Committee (ASC).
   
2. Transport Canada: This department has the project specific technical knowledge with regard to each project. Transport Canada provides analysis and advice for the review and approval of projects. Transport Canada is responsible for implementing the BIF projects in a manner that upholds federal due diligence in such areas as: environmental assessment, the eligibility and reasonability of project costs, the provision of information pertaining to cash flow and budget, the approval of invoices, making payments, and the conducting of audits and evaluation of the projects. Transport Canada reviews the business case for the project, determining the costs and benefits to be realized. Transport Canada works with INFC to jointly negotiate the project agreement and prepares the TB submission; the Minister Transport, Infrastructure and Communities signs both documents. Transport Canada is the federal co-chair of the project’s ASC. Transport Canada also ensures adherence to information management requirements to capture, monitor and report on project information.
   
3. The funding recipient: The recipient may be a provincial, territorial or local government, private partner or a combination thereof. Once the project has been selected, the funding recipient enters into negotiations with INFC to develop a contribution agreement. The funding recipient is responsible for ensuring that the project is completed as per the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement.

16. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

17. Contact information:

Jocelyne St Jean
Director General of Intergovernmental Operations

1. Name of horizontal initiative:

Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund

2. Name of lead department(s): Infrastructure Canada

3. Lead department program activity: Infrastructure Investments

4. Start date of the horizontal initiative: 2004-2005
5. End date of the horizontal initiative: 2009-2010
6. Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $1.2 Billion

7. Description of the horizontal initiative (including funding agreement):

The $1-billion fund has been structured to provide a balanced response to local infrastructure needs in urban and rural Canada, and will ensure that all Canadians, whether they live in large, small or remote communities, will share in the benefits of infrastructure investments.

The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund improves and increases the stock of core public infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, cultural, recreation, and those very things that make our communities vibrant and productive places to live and work and raise families. MRIF targets communities of less than 250,000 residents and First Nation communities. Like other infrastructure programs, the MRIF seeks to ensure that the projects it funds support the goals of the federal government, encourages new and innovative approaches and favours partnerships, including an emphasis on ‘green’ projects which are sustainable and reduce greenhouse gasses.

Through the MRIF, the Government of Canada continues to work in productive partnerships with provinces, territories, and municipalities, as well as First Nations and the private sector, to invest in local infrastructure projects. These projects will be vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life in Canadian communities.

The MRIF is cost-shared, with the Government of Canada contributing, on average, one-third of total project eligible costs. Provinces and municipalities contributing the remainder. In recognition of the unique circumstances of the First Nations and the Territories, where many communities have no tax base, the Government of Canada may contribute more than one-third.

More information on MRIF can be found at: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/mrif-fimr/index_e.shtml.

8. Shared outcome(s):

The overall expected outcomes are:

• Improved and increased stock of core public infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, cultural and recreation.
  
• Improved quality of life and economic opportunities for smaller communities and First Nations.

9. Governance structure(s):

MRIF is based on a federal partnership arrangement between INFC and five federal departments: Western Economic Diversification, Industry Canada (for Ontario projects), Canada Economic Development – Quebec, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. MRIF involves 14 sub-programs, one joint sub-program for each province and territory and a sub-program for First Nations communities. Each of the 14 MRIF sub-programs follows the same general conditions, priorities and approaches, but, recognizing the individual nature of each sub-program, the agreements encompass the nuances pertaining to the partnering order of government.

To stimulate expected outcomes, MRIF eligible projects must conform to a policy leveraging framework, based on a common baseline but adapted for each jurisdiction. To ensure broad support and effective, innovative project delivery, partnerships of various types, including public-private partnerships, are encouraged in the formulation and delivery of MRIF projects. The program relies on strong input from local and rural municipalities, including the support of the locally elected councils. In addition, municipal representatives are involved in the processes and management of the program in the respective province or territory.

16. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

17. Contact information:

Jocelyne St Jean
Director General of Intergovernmental Operations

1. Name of horizontal initiative:

Infrastructure Canada Program

2. Name of lead department(s):

Infrastructure Canada

3. Lead department program activity: Infrastructure Investments

4. Start date of the horizontal initiative: 2000-2001
5. End date of the horizontal initiative: 2010-2011
6. Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $2.05 Billion

7. Description of the horizontal initiative (including funding agreement):

The Infrastructure Canada Program (ICP) is a contribution program introduced in 2000 for local municipal infrastructure projects. The Government of Canada matches the provincial/territorial governments’ contribution, providing up to one-third of the cost of each municipal infrastructure project. The ICP is a $2.05 billion program in effect over seven fiscal years. The ICP is well underway and projects are ongoing across the country. Most of the funding has either been committed to approved projects or notionally allocated to those that are under review.

The ICP’s first priority for funding is “green municipal projects”, i.e. projects with environmental benefits that enhance the quality of the environment or health benefits that enhance the quality of human life. Other priorities include affordable housing, culture, tourism and recreation, rural and remote telecommunication, high-speed access for local public institutions and local transportation. Recognizing that individual communities know their needs best, the program operates in a "bottom-up" fashion, with the flexibility for municipalities and First Nations to identify their own infrastructure priorities. It also includes provisions to ensure an equitable balance of funding between urban and rural communities.

Further information may be obtained from the following web sites:

• http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/icp-pic/index_e.shtml
  
• http://www.acoa.ca/e/financial/infrastructure.shtml
  
• http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/asp/ProgrammesServices/ ProgrammesServices_intro.asp
  
• http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/hsg/cih/ci/ic/index_e.html
  
• http://www.ic.gc.ca/coip-pico/coip-pico.nsf/main!OpenPage
  
• http://www.wd.gc.ca/ced/infrastructure/default_e.asp
  
• http://www.infraguide.ca/

8. Shared outcome(s):

The overall planned results are that urban and rural municipal infrastructure in Canada is enhanced and Canadians’ quality of life is improved through investments that protect the environment and support long-term community and economic growth.

9. Governance structure(s):

The key roles and responsibilities of partners are as follows:

• Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities – overall program management and accountability to Parliament, including media relations, appointment of Management Committee members, project approval for projects where the federal share is between $1M - $10M;
  
• Infrastructure Canada – oversight and monitoring of the program ensuring effective management and a coordinated approach to communications and provision of services including operational services, information management, and communications services;
  
• Ministers or Secretaries of State responsible for delivery (Industry Canada; Western Economic Diversification; Canada Economic Development – Quebec; Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) – with Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, joint authority to enter into contribution agreements with provinces/territories, and project approval where federal share is less than $1M;
  
• Federal-Provincial/Territorial Management Committees (one per jurisdiction) – administration and management of ICP in accordance with terms and conditions of the applicable federal-provincial/territorial agreement;
  
• Provinces/Territories – signatories to the negotiated agreements with the federal government;
  
• Local governments – main applicants for ICP projects; also responsible for sponsoring projects with NGOs and/or private sector;
  
• NGOs and private sector – eligible to propose projects that are sponsored either by a municipality, a province/territory or the federal government; and
  
• Other government departments - provide key expertise for all or some types of ICP projects (e.g., Transport Canada, National Research Council (e.g., InfraGuide), Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Federation of Canadian Municipalities).

16. Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

17. Contact information:

Jocelyne St Jean
Director General of Intergovernmental Operations