2017-18
Departmental Plan - Plans at a Glance
In 2017-18, Infrastructure Canada will continue to deliver new and existing infrastructure programs to ensure that the federal government's investments in public infrastructure will build communities that are livable, sustainable and prosperous for all Canadians. In addition, the Department will continue to advance the construction of the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project through public-private partnerships. The Department has identified five organizational priorities to guide its activities in order to meet these commitments.
During the 2017-18 planning period, Infrastructure Canada will be implementing the new Treasury Board Policy on Results, which includes the development of a "Departmental Results Framework" that would serve as the basis of the Department's reporting structure in the future. This new reporting structure will allow the Department to improve performance measurement efforts and position the Department to better communicate the results achieved to Canadians.
Priority 1: Implement "Investing in Canada", a long-term infrastructure plan that will deliver significant new funding to provinces, territories and municipalities to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Communities' overarching goal is to rebuild Canada for the 21st Century. This will require significant new investments in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, infrastructure for rural and northern communities and other core public infrastructure, as well as trade and transportation infrastructure. Taking existing infrastructure programs into account, along with investments made in Budget 2016 and additional investments announced in the 2016 Fall Economic Statement, the government will invest more than $180 billion in Canadian communities over 12 years.
Beginning in 2016, the initial phase of our long-term infrastructure plan enabled investments in public transit, green and social infrastructure, by focusing on the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and laying the foundation to help strengthen the middle class and support inclusive and sustainable economic growth for years to come. Infrastructure Canada will support the Government of Canada's plan for long-term transformative change through infrastructure by working closely with its partners to develop integrated and flexible funding agreements, establish a new Canada Infrastructure Bank focused on engaging private capital, and to develop a complementary suite of programs to achieve specific national outcomes such as a Smart Cities Challenge that will accelerate the planning and adoption of innovative urban infrastructure. The Department will also work on a data strategy to improve data collection and build capacity for robust performance measurement practices. In 2017-18, the Department will work with provincial, territorial, municipal, and other partners to effectively govern programs by implementing bilateral agreements, ensuring that the terms of these agreements are respected and that claims are processed efficiently; and will work with federal partners and stakeholders to report on progress and outcome-based performance measures.
Priority 2: Advance construction of the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project and support Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated in keeping the existing Champlain Bridge safe.
The safety of Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada As such, maintaining the safety of the existing Champlain Bridge for the over 40 million annual users is key. Furthermore, the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project will increase capacity and efficiency of gateway and corridor infrastructure in the Montréal region and nationally, which in turn will support Canada's economic growth The Department celebrated in July 2016, the one year anniversary of the beginning of the construction of the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project. Construction is proceeding on schedule and bridge components are now visible on the construction site. The Department will continue to focus on the construction phase of the project while maintaining the integrity of the existing bridge.
Priority 3: Support the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority to advance the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
A new Windsor-Detroit border crossing remains a top infrastructure priority for Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to completing the new crossing as early as possible and continues to work closely with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as they deliver this priority project in close collaboration with the State of Michigan and the U.S. Government. The new Gordie Howe International Bridge will add a border crossing option at the busiest trade corridor between Canada and the United States. It will have a direct connection with international highways, offer improved border processing facilities and provide for the anticipated growth in traffic over the years to come. The Request for Proposals was launched in 2016, in order to select a private sector partner to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the new bridge and its ports of entry. In 2017-18, a partner will be selected among three proponents. The Department will continue to oversee and support the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, to ensure that it has access to the necessary parliamentary appropriations to carry out its priorities and fulfill its project commitments.
Priority 4: Implement government-wide and departmental transformation initiatives that contribute to efficiencies.
Infrastructure Canada and the public service are undergoing continuous change. Identifying operational efficiencies and improving processes to provide value for Canadians is an ongoing priority. Continuous efforts at improving internal and operational data collection will help Infrastructure Canada make better decisions and improve service delivery. The Department continues to deliver on its open government agenda, including making program data available to Canadians. As well, the Department is making considerable progress in adopting government-wide transformation initiatives through Blueprint 2020 and by embracing continuous process improvement methodologies.
Priority 5: Maintain a healthy, respectful and supportive work environment.
A healthy, respectful and supportive work environment is a priority area for the public service at large. It also builds on feedback received through Blueprint 2020 and the 2014 Public Service Employee Survey. This type of work environment creates the conditions for a more engaged, productive and innovative workforce. Infrastructure Canada will continue to take concrete actions to support this priority. During 2017-18, the Department will continue to implement the 2014 Public Service Employee Survey Action Plan initiatives, approve and inform employees about the Departmental Mental Health Strategy, launch the 'Not Myself' campaign, and provide Mental Health First Aid Training to employees.
For more information on the Infrastructure Canada's plans, priorities and planned results, see the "Planned results" section of this report.
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