2018-19
Departmental Plan - Minister's Message

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As Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, I am pleased to present our Departmental Plan for 2018–19. Our Plan outlines Infrastructure Canada's ongoing commitment to invest in our communities by strengthening the economy, creating good jobs for the middle class, and securing a better, more prosperous future for all Canadians.

Infrastructure is the foundation of strong and inclusive communities. The needs of communities are changing so rapidly, however, that all orders of government are feeling the pressure to find the best, most cost-effective way forward, while also planning to meet their future needs. The Government of Canada's more than $180-billion long-term infrastructure plan—Investing in Canada—is designed to do just that for communities across the country.

Together with our provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous partners, we have already approved thousands of projects for communities of all sizes through the Investing in Canada plan. These projects are helping to grow the economy; build inclusive communities; and support a strong, low-carbon economy.

In 2018, Infrastructure Canada will have finalized bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will help deliver the infrastructure projects that communities across Canada have identified as priorities. These agreements will invest in improved public transit; greener infrastructure; new community, cultural and recreational facilities; additional support for rural and northern residents; and important investments in our trade and transportation networks.

We will also continue to move forward on innovative initiatives that will help shape the future of our communities and our country. The Smart Cities Challenge is underway—encouraging communities to put forward their best, most innovative ideas to improve the lives of their residents. The new Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund will provide vital assistance to communities facing new challenges as a result of climate change. The Canada Infrastructure Bank—a new Crown corporation—will deliver $35 billion in federal support to attract private sector investment in revenue-generating projects that are in the public interest.

We are also working diligently to improve how infrastructure is planned and managed. Our national core public infrastructure survey was conducted in 2017 and results are expected to be available to all Canadians this year. We are also working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on programs that are helping communities improve their asset management. Overall, these initiatives will help all orders of government to make informed and strategic decisions on infrastructure investments. They will also support the Government of Canada's efforts to increase transparency and better report our results to Canadians.

Throughout 2018, the Department will continue to support two major bridge projects that will be celebrating key milestones this year. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will start construction later this year. Once complete, it will provide a safe, efficient and secure way to move people and goods through the vital Windsor-Detroit corridor. The New Champlain Bridge—one of the largest infrastructure projects in North America—is scheduled to be open by year's end.

Investing in infrastructure is really about investing in people—helping them move safely and efficiently to work and school and back home to their families, ensuring residents of all communities have safe water to drink, and helping businesses get their products to market. It helps create strong, inclusive communities that Canadians can be proud to call home.

I encourage you to take a moment to review this Plan and learn more about what Infrastructure Canada is doing to build a stronger country for all Canadians.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

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