2012-2013
Departmental Performance Report - Supplementary Information Table
Details of Transfer Payment Programs
Infrastructure Canada manages the following Transfer Payment Programs1:
- Contributions under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF);
- Contributions under the Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF);
- Contributions under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF);
- Transfer Payments under the Gas Tax Fund (GTF);
- Transfer Payments under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund (PT Base Fund);
- Contributions under the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component (BCF-CC);
- Contributions under the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC); and
- Contributions under the Green Infrastructure Fund (GIF).
Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF)
1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund
2. Start Date: 2003-2004
3. End Date: 2016-20172
4. Description: This program 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. CSIF leverages additional contributions from other partners by providing up to 50 per cent funding for eligible projects.3
5. Strategic Outcome: 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.
6. Results Achieved: During 2012-2013, the Department continued to monitor the progress of projects. The Department collaborated with partners and stakeholders to extend the program's terms and conditions and amend individual project funding agreements, to allow sufficient time for recipients to complete all projects. Eight projects worth $541.5 million were completed by project proponents during the reporting period. This is fewer than the forecasted amount with delays caused by inclement weather and technical and other construction-related issues. The Department continues to oversee completion and close out of projects using consistent monitoring and review procedures.
Since the inception of the program, Infrastructure Canada has committed more than $4.3 billion in federal funding to 75 projects, generating about $8.4 billion in investment from funding partners. The largest categories of investments in terms of the number of funded projects are highway/rail infrastructure, urban development and water/sewage treatment infrastructure. So far, 51 projects have been completed under the program, improving infrastructure across the country.
13. Program Activity: Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund
| 7. Actual Spending 2010-2011 | 8. Actual Spending 2011-2012 | 9. Planned Spending 2012-2013 | 10. Total Authorities 2012-2013 | 11. Actual Spending 2012-2013 | 12. Variance(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Total Grants | ||||||
| 14. Total Contributions | $335.3 | $188.1 | $409.8 | $356.1 | $239.2 | $170.6 |
| 14. Total Other Types of Transfer Payments | ||||||
| 15. Total Program | $335.3 | $188.1 | $409.8 | $356.1 | $239.2 | $170.6 |
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Actual Spending in 2012-2013 was lower than forecasted as spending is dependent on a number of factors beyond the control of funding recipients. These factors range from lower than anticipated project costs to project delays resulting from inclement weather and from technical and other construction-related complexities that also cause construction delays.
It is also important to note that actual disbursement of federal contributions lag behind the actual construction of projects as recipients are reimbursed for expenditures only once they submit claims. The CSIF program was extended in 2011-2012, to allow recipients that have encountered construction delays to access the remainder of their federal contribution in order to complete their projects as expected.
17. Audit Completed or Planned: An audit of the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund program was conducted in 2007-2008 and in 2012-2013. These two audits are available on the departmental website.
18. Evaluation Completed or Planned: A joint evaluation of the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Border Infrastructure Fund was started in 2012-2013, and is expected to be completed in 2013-2014.
19. Contact Information: Claude Blanchette, Director General, Program Integration, Tel: (613) 948-9392, E-Mail: claude.blanchette@infc.gc.ca.
Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF)
1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Border Infrastructure Fund
2. Start Date: 2003-2004
3. End Date: 2015-20164
4. Description: This program provides 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 per cent funding to support eligible projects at Canada's border crossings. Transport Canada is the federal delivery partner for this program.5
5. Strategic Outcome: 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.
6. Results Achieved: As of March 31, 2013, a total of nine projects under the BIF have been completed, representing 100 per cent of the planned target. The ninth project was completed in fiscal year 2012-2013 with a total value of
$15 million.
Since the inception of the program, the federal government has announced support for 13 border improvement infrastructure projects, generating $1.2 billion in infrastructure investment from its partners.
13. Program Activity: Border Infrastructure Fund
| 7. Actual Spending 2010-2011 | 8. Actual Spending 2011-2012 | 9. Planned Spending 2012-2013 | 10. Total Authorities 2012-2013 | 11. Actual Spending 2012-2013 | 12. Variance(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Total Grants | ||||||
| 14. Total Contributions | $67.8 | $35.0 | $41.7 | $28.7 | $7.4 | $34.3 |
| 14. Total Other Types of Transfer Payments | ||||||
| 15. Total Program | $67.8 | $35.0 | $41.7 | $28.7 | $7.4 | $34.3 |
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Transportation projects funded under the BIF are large and complex by nature which makes them at higher risk of experiencing unexpected delays during their implementation. During 2012-2013, projects faced delays due to various reasons from technical and other construction-related complexities. It is also important to note that the disbursement of federal contributions follows the actual construction of projects as recipients are reimbursed for incurred expenditures only once they submit claims.
17. Audit Completed or Planned: There were no audits completed for this program and no new audit was launched or planned in 2012-2013.
18. Evaluation Completed or Planned: A joint evaluation of the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Border Infrastructure Fund is in progress and is scheduled to be completed by December 2013.
19. Contact Information: Claude Blanchette, Director General, Program Integration, Tel: (613) 948-9392, E-Mail: claude.blanchette@infc.gc.ca.
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
2. Start Date: 2004-2005
3. End Date: 2013-2014
4. Description: This program 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 Budget 2007. At least 80 per cent of funding under the program has been dedicated to municipalities with a population of less than 250,000. For most projects, the MRIF provides up to one-third 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. It is delivered through a partnership with federal regional development agencies.6
5. Strategic Outcome: 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.
6. Results Achieved: During 2012-2013, in collaboration with Federal Delivery Partners, the Department continued to deliver the program with Provincial and Territorial partners, resulting in 45 projects valued at $212 million completed in this reporting period. This brings the total number of completed projects to 1,770, with a total value of $3 billion.
Since the inception of the program, Infrastructure Canada has committed more than $988 million in federal funding to 1,917 projects generating an additional $2.5 billion in investments from funding partners. The largest categories of investments, in terms of total eligible costs, are water infrastructure ($964 million) and wastewater ($962 million).
13. Program Activity: Municipal Rural Infrastructure Base Fund
| 7. Actual Spending 2010-2011 | 8. Actual Spending 2011-2012 | 9. Planned Spending 2012-2013 | 10. Total Authorities 2012-2013 | 11. Actual Spending 2012-2013 | 12. Variance(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Total Grants | ||||||
| 14. Total Contributions | $146.1 | $87.9 | $95.8 | $57.7 | $35.3 | $60.5 |
| 14. Total Other Types of Transfer Payments | ||||||
| 15. Total Program | $146.1 | $87.9 | $95.8 | $57.7 | $35.3 | $60.5 |
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Program spending in 2012-2013 was lower than planned. This can be attributed to a number of factors beyond the control of funding recipients. These factors range from lower than anticipated project costs to project delays resulting from inclement weather and from technical and other construction-related complexities that can lead to construction delays. As the program is sunsetting, all funds must be disbursed by Infrastructure Canada by the end of fiscal year 2013-2014.
17. Audit Completed or Planned: An audit of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund was completed in 2011-2012. No further audit is planned.
18. Evaluation Completed or Planned: An evaluation was completed in 2008. No further evaluation is planned.
19. Contact Information: Claude Blanchette, Director General, Program Integration, Tel: (613) 948-9392, E-Mail: claude.blanchette@infc.gc.ca.
Gas Tax Fund (GTF)
1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Gas Tax Fund
2. Start Date: 2005-2006
3. End Date: Ongoing7
4. Description: This program 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 the 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 environmental objectives, including 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 Gas Tax Fund Agreements.
5. Strategic Outcome: Provinces, territories, and municipalities have federal financial support for their infrastructure priorities.
6. Results Achieved: During 2012-2013, Infrastructure Canada provided provinces, territories and municipalities with stable and predictable Gas Tax funding. This funding continued to help build and improve public infrastructure that contributes to cleaner air, cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Infrastructure Canada is working with provinces, territories and municipal associations where there is a delay in meeting reporting requirements. Delays have been the result of signatories working on audit requirements/interpretations, difficulty in obtaining information from smaller communities, and/or submitting incomplete reports.
The Department also continued to enhance controls to effectively manage the program and ensure recipient compliance with existing Gas Tax Fund requirements. By fiscal year end 2012-2013, the Gas Tax Fund surpassed $10 billion in federal money transferred since the program's inception in 2005. Funding under this program supports quality public transit, water, wastewater, solid waste, local roads and bridges, community energy systems and community capacity building, while improving a municipality's ability to plan.
In Budget 2012, the Government reconfirmed its commitment to working with the provinces, territories and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to develop a new long-term plan for public infrastructure. As part of the engagement process for the development of the new plan, partners and stakeholders asked that federal funding under the Gas Tax Fund be indexed and that greater flexibility be afforded for municipalities to address their specific infrastructure needs. In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government responded by introducing the Community Improvement Fund (CIF). As part of the CIF and starting in 2014-2015, the Gas Tax Fund will be indexed at two percent a year (with increases to be applied in $100 million increments). Furthermore, it will provide more flexible funding for community infrastructure by expanding the list of eligible investment categories. Over the next ten years, the Gas Tax Fund will provide $21.8 billion to Canadian municipalities for municipal priorities.
13. Program Activity: Gas Tax Fund
| 7. Actual Spending 2010-2011 | 8. Actual Spending 2011-2012 | 9. Planned Spending 2012-2013 | 10. Total Authorities 2012-2013 | 11. Actual Spending 2012-2013 | 12. Variance(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Total Grants | ||||||
| 14. Total Contributions | ||||||
| 14. Total Other Types of Transfer Payments | $1,751.0 | $2,205.9 | $1,974.5 | $2,096.5 | $1,964.0 | $10.5 |
| 15. Total Program | $1,751.0 | $2,205.9 | $1,974.5 | $2,096.5 | $1,964.0 | $10.5 |
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Federal funds flowed to Gas Tax Fund signatories are dependent on the submission of Annual Expenditure Reports and audit statements. In the absence of duly completed reports, Infrastructure Canada can withhold funds from recipients until such time that completed reports are accepted. In such cases, releasing withheld funds can result in actual spending surpassing spending forecasts. Conversely, withholding funds pending receipt of duly completed reports can result in actual spending lower than planned. Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with Gas Tax Fund signatories to ensure that audited Annual Expenditure Reports are complete, and submitted as required to ensure funds are flowed as planned.
17. Audit Completed or Planned: An audit of the Management Control Framework for the Gas Tax Fund was completed in 2009.
19. Contact Information: Claude Blanchette, Director General, Program Integration, Tel: (613) 948-9392, E-Mail: claude.blanchette@infc.gc.ca.
Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund (PT-Base Fund)
1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund
2. Start Date: 2007-2008
3. End Date: 2013-2014
4. Description: This program provides $175 million in base funding to each province and territory for core infrastructure priorities. In addition, over $26 million in per capita funding under the Building Canada Fund for three territories is managed under this fund. The PT-Base Fund was designed to help restore fiscal balance while enhancing Canada's public infrastructure system. It also supports 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 can also include local and regional governments or private sector bodies. 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 Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs. Payments are made in advance and cost-sharing provisions apply to a capital plan as a whole, and not individual initiatives. Provinces and territories may pool, bank, or cash-manage these funds to give them flexibility in implementation.
5. Strategic Outcome: Provinces, territories, and municipalities have federal financial support for their infrastructure priorities.
6. Results Achieved: Following the acceleration of the PT Base Fund as part of the 2009 Economic Action Plan, as of April 1st, 2012, only some $254 million remained to be committed under the program, which represents approximately 11 per cent of the total $2.3 billion funding envelope. Given the limited funding remaining, few new capital plans were submitted for approval, although a number of previously approved capital plans were amended to better realign with provincial/territorial infrastructure funding priorities supported through the program, as needed. In one instance, an amended capital plan also served to commit additional new funding.
Overall, four new capital plans and seven amended plans were approved during the reporting period, committing an additional $251 million in federal funding to 69 new initiatives and leveraging $318 million from other partners, including provinces, territories and municipalities. During the year, another three jurisdictions fully committed the balance of their PT Base funding, leaving less than $4 million to be committed under the PT Base Fund as of the end of the reporting period.
The Government of Canada has concluded PT Base funding agreements with all 13 jurisdictions and each federal-provincial/territorial agreement sets out the conditions under which federal funding will flow as well as the requirements relating to the submission of a jurisdiction's expenditure reports. As such, the specific reporting timeframes can vary from one jurisdiction to another. For example, in August 2012, an agreement was amended, to allow the jurisdiction to postpone the submission of its first expenditure report beyond fiscal year 2012-2013. Two other jurisdictions also experienced delays in submitting final versions of their expenditures reports by March 31, 2013, as previously planned. Infrastructure Canada has been working closely with all provinces and territories to resolve outstanding issues with delayed expenditures reports and it is expected that these will be submitted shortly, allowing federal funding to flow as a result.
While provincial and territorial governments are responsible for meeting the reporting requirements as per the terms of the agreements, Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with them to ensure that the required reports are submitted in a timely fashion, including providing guidance on any issues that may arise during the provincial or territorial audit and potentially delay their report submissions and related payments.
An internal evaluation report completed in November 2012 confirmed that the PT Base Fund is managed effectively and efficiently and is meeting the dual purpose set out for its design by contributing to the development and improvement of Canada's infrastructure base and by responding to fiscal balance consultations. Evaluation of the Provincial-Territorial Base Funding Program - November 2012
13. Program Activity: Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund
| 7. Actual Spending 2010-2011 | 8. Actual Spending 2011-2012 | 9. Planned Spending 2012-2013 | 10. Total Authorities 2012-2013 | 11. Actual Spending 2012-2013 | 12. Variance(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Total Grants | ||||||
| 14. Total Contributions | ||||||
| 14. Total Other Types of Transfer Payments | $437.3 | $188.7 | $233.2 | $347.8 | $236.8 | ($3.6) |
| 15. Total Program | $437.3 | $188.7 | $233.2 | $347.8 | $236.8 | ($3.6) |
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Under the PT Base Fund, the Government of Canada's flow of funding to the provinces and territories is subject to the submission and federal acceptance of Capital Plans and/or Expenditure Reports. Actual spending in fiscal year 2012-2013 reflects that cash flow requirements were revised as a result of the amended agreement mentioned above. In another case, a final payment under the program did not flow as the submission of a final audited Expenditure Report is still pending from one jurisdiction. This final report must demonstrate that all PT Base initiatives have been completed; however this requirement was not met by the end of 2012-2013, thus delaying the report's submission.
17. Audit Completed or Planned: An audit of the PT Base Fund was completed in 2011-2012.
18. Evaluation Completed or Planned: An audit of the PT Base Fund was completed in 2011-2012.
19. Contact Information: Maxine Bilodeau, Director, Program Operations, West, Tel. : 613-960-5665, Email: Maxine.Bilodeau@infc.gc.ca.
Building Canada Fund-Communities Component (BCF-CC)
1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Building Canada Fund-Communities Component
2. Start Date: 2008-2009
3. End Date: 2016-2017
4. Description: This program addresses the unique infrastructure pressures facing smaller communities with populations of less than 100,000. Project costs are cost-shared with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, with each order of government generally contributing one-third of the eligible costs. The fund supports the construction, renewal and enhancement of basic infrastructure such as potable water, wastewater treatment, local roads and other infrastructure needs of small communities.
5. Strategic Outcome: 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.
6. Results Achieved:
During 2012-2013:
- 79 approved projects valued at $261 million were completed
- 40 additional approved projects worth $163 million began construction
- 272 projects worth more than $1.5 billion are still underway
In addition, as a result of available funding from cost savings and projects cancelled by proponents, Infrastructure Canada committed $7 million in federal funds to three new projects, leveraging an additional $19 million in infrastructure investment. Since the inception of the program in 2007, more than $1 billion of federal funding has been committed generating an additional $2.1 billion (more than doubling committed federal funding) in infrastructure investment. Infrastructure Canada continues to support an additional 14 projects in Quebec funded through the Large Urban Centres Component of the Building Canada Fund through a federal allocation of $200 million.
Working with Federal Delivery Partners, through a Service Level Agreement, Infrastructure Canada continues to engage in joint program delivery with provincial partners in support of projects in communities with populations fewer than 100,000 persons. The largest categories of investments are wastewater infrastructure, water infrastructure and local road infrastructure.
13. Program Activity: Building Canada Fund-Communities Component
| 7. Actual Spending 2010-2011 | 8. Actual Spending 2011-2012 | 9. Planned Spending 2012-2013 | 10. Total Authorities 2012-2013 | 11. Actual Spending 2012-2013 | 12. Variance(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Total Grants | ||||||
| 14. Total Contributions | $223.5 | $213.3 | $249.5 | $230.3 | $184.7 | $64.8 |
| 14. Total Other Types of Transfer Payments | ||||||
| 15. Total Program | $223.5 | $213.3 | $249.5 | $230.3 | $184.7 | $64.8 |
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Program spending in 2012-2013 was lower than planned. This can be attributed to a number of factors beyond the control of funding recipients. These factors range from lower than anticipated project costs to project delays resulting from inclement weather and from technical and other construction-related complexities that can lead to construction delays. It is also important to note that the disbursement of federal contributions follows the actual construction of projects as recipients are reimbursed for incurred expenditures only once they submit claims.
17. Audit Completed or Planned: A review of the Environmental Assessment Process for the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund programs was completed in 2012-2013.
18. Evaluation Completed or Planned: An evaluation of the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component is planned for completion in 2014-2015.
19. Contact Information: Claude Blanchette, Director General, Program Integration, Tel: (613) 948-9392, E-Mail: claude.blanchette@infc.gc.ca.
Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC)
1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component
2. Start Date: 2008-2009
3. End Date: 2016-2017
4. Description: This program targets larger infrastructure projects of national or 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 Major Infrastructure Component has 13 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. Eligible recipients include provinces, local or regional governments and private sector bodies, including non-profit organizations. Projects must be supported by a business case and undergo a federal review against key program criteria.8
5. Strategic Outcome: 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.
6. Results Achieved:
In 2012-2013, Infrastructure Canada focused on project approvals and negotiating funding agreements. By March 31st, 2013 more than $6.1 billion had been committed to a total of 167 projects, representing 91.4 per cent of available project funding under the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component. This funding is leveraging more than $13.6 billion from funding partners.
As of March 31st, 2013, 107 projects were underway, with total eligible costs of $18.1 billion. The combined federal contribution for these projects is approximately $5.5 billion, leveraging over $12.6 billion from funding partners. At the end of fiscal year 2012-2013, a total of 46 projects were completed and 14 projects were in the review phase.
The total number/value of projects completed by project proponents was lower than the target as some of these large-scale and complex projects encountered delays and were not completed by year end as forecast. Typically, project delays occur as a result of inclement weather, technical and other construction-related complexities.
Infrastructure Canada will continue to oversee the implementation of project-specific agreements of the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component, ensuring that the terms of agreements are respected and that claims for payment are processed efficiently.
13. Program Activity: Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component
| 7. Actual Spending 2010-2011 | 8. Actual Spending 2011-2012 | 9. Planned Spending 2012-2013 | 10. Total Authorities 2012-2013 | 11. Actual Spending 2012-2013 | 12. Variance(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Total Grants | ||||||
| 14. Total Contributions | $403.8 | $758.5 | $1,960.5 | $1,979.9 | $919.8 | $1,040.7 |
| 14. Total Other Types of Transfer Payments | ||||||
| 15. Total Program | $403.8 | $758.5 | $1,960.5 | $1,979.9 | $919.8 | $1,040.7 |
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): This program provides significant funding for large, complex projects. It is typical for these projects to require a significant amount of upfront planning, design and procurement. These processes may occur, in whole or in part, after funding commitments are announced. As a result, there is often a period of time that will pass between project announcements and when construction starts. Even when construction has started, a number of factors beyond the control of funding recipients can result in lower spending than forecasted. These factors range from lower than anticipated project costs to project delays resulting from inclement weather and from technical and other construction-related complexities that also cause construction delays. It is also important to note that actual spending lags behind the actual rate of construction of projects since recipients are reimbursed only once claims are submitted, even though eligible costs may have already been incurred.
17. Audit Completed or Planned: No audit has been conducted for this program.
18. Evaluation Completed or Planned: An evaluation of the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component is planned for completion in 2015-16.
19. Contact Information: Claude Blanchette, Director General, Program Integration, Tel: (613) 948-9392, E-Mail: claude.blanchette@infc.gc.ca.
Green Infrastructure Fund (GIF)
1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Green Infrastructure Fund
2. Start Date: 2009-2010
3. End Date:2018-20199
4. Description: This program supports environmental 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 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 per cent 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.
5. Strategic Outcome: 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.
6. Results Achieved: In 2012-2013, Infrastructure Canada focused on project approvals and negotiating funding agreements. By March 31,2013, all remaining project funding under the Green Infrastructure Fund has been effectively allocated. Since the inception of the program, the federal funding that has been committed is leveraging more than $1.1 billion from funding partners.
As of March 31,2013, twelve projects were underway, with total eligible costs of $967 million. The combined federal contribution to these projects is over $363 million, leveraging approximately $604 million from funding partners. At the end of fiscal year 2012-2013, one project had been completed and six projects were in the review phase.
Infrastructure Canada will continue to oversee the implementation of project-specific agreements of the Green Infrastructure Fund, ensuring that the terms of agreements are respected and that claims for payment are processed efficiently.
In keeping with the Government of Canada's commitment to address priority initiatives within existing funding envelopes, the Government of Canada made a policy decision to transfer $169.98 million from the GIF to other federal departments to support high-priority initiatives. Details on the transfers and amounts that have been and will be approved by Parliament are as follows:Natural Resources Canada
| Transfer Out – Forestry Industry Transformation Program | $100 million |
| Approved by Parliament – prior to 2013-2014 | $75 million |
| 2013-2014 Main Estimates | $25 million |
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Transfer Out – Temporary Initiative for the Strengthening of Quebec's Forest Economies |
$30 million |
| Approved by Parliament – prior to 2013-2014 | $30 million |
Transfer Out – Natural Gas Pipeline between Vallée Jonction and Thetford Mines |
$18.15 million |
| Approved by Parliament – prior to 2013-2014 | $14.50 million |
| 2013-2014 Main Estimates | $3.65 million |
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
| Transfer Out – Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment | $21.83 million |
| Approved by Parliament – prior to 2013-2014 | $13.08 million |
| 2013-2014 Main Estimates | $8.75 million |
As part of the 2010 Strategic Review, $45 million in unallocated funds from the GIF was removed from departmental reference levels, and made available for other Government of Canada priorities. This was approved in Budget 2011. As well, in the 2012-2013 Main Estimates, $58.7 million was approved and reallocated from the GIF as a source of funds for the operating requirements of the Department. No announced infrastructure projects have been cancelled or otherwise affected as a result of these reallocations.
While some project announcements are still to follow, all remaining project funding under the Green Infrastructure Fund has now been allocated.10
As of March 31, 2013, twelve projects were underway, with total eligible costs of $967 million. The combined federal contribution to these projects is over $363 million, leveraging approximately $604 million from funding partners. At the end of fiscal year 2012-2013, one project had been completed and six projects were in the review phase.
13. Program Activity: Green Infrastructure Fund
| 7. Actual Spending 2010-2011 | 8. Actual Spending 2011-2012 | 9. Planned Spending 2012-2013 | 10. Total Authorities 2012-2013 | 11. Actual Spending 2012-2013 | 12. Variance(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Total Grants | ||||||
| 14. Total Contributions | $33.5 | $29.8 | $80.6 | $156.4 | $114.9 | ($34.3) |
| 14. Total Other Types of Transfer Payments | ||||||
| 15. Total Program | $33.5 | $29.8 | $80.6 | $156.4 | $114.9 | ($34.3) |
16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): This program provides significant funding for large, complex projects. It is typical for these projects to require a significant amount of planning, design and procurement. These processes may occur, in whole or in part, after funding commitments are announced. Once contribution agreements for projects are signed with project proponents, the Government of Canada has a legal obligation to provide the committed funding in accordance with the terms of those agreements.
Actual spending in 2012-2013 was higher than planned as the rate of construction of projects was higher and recipients submitted more claims than planned.
While the planned spending represents Infrastructure Canada's current best estimate of required expenditures based on the information available, it is important to note that until projects are approved and contribution agreements have been signed, the exact funding profile will be unknown. As a result actual and planned spending may vary from year to year.
17. Audit Completed or Planned: No audit has been conducted for this program.
18. Evaluation Completed or Planned: An evaluation of the Green Infrastructure Fund is planned for completion in 2016-2017.
19. Contact Information: Claude Blanchette, Director General, Program Integration, Tel: (613) 948-9392, E-Mail: claude.blanchette@infc.gc.ca.
Notes
[1] Allocations for Transfer Payment Programs include Contributions only, and do not include Operating and Maintenance (O&M).
[2] In 2011-2012, the funding profile under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund was extended until 2016-2017 for certain projects.
[3] Of the $4.3 billion originally allocated to the CSIF, approximately $50 million has been transferred to the Parks Canada Agency to support a high priority infrastructure project. These funds were reallocated through Main Estimates prior to 2012-2013.
[4] In 2011-2012, the funding profile under the Border Infrastructure Fund was extended until 2015-2016 for certain projects.
[5] Of the $600 million originally allocated to the BIF, approximately $18 million has been transferred to Canada Border Services Agency for border projects. These funds were reallocated through Main Estimates prior to 2012-2013.
As part of the 2010 Strategic Review, $10.4 million in unallocated funds from the Border Infrastructure Fund was identified for reallocation to other Government priorities. Prior to 2012-2013, $5.2 million was removed from departmental reference levels through the 2011-2012 Supplementary Estimates. An additional $5.2 million was removed through the 2012-2013 Main Estimates, subject to Parliamentary approval. No projects have been cancelled or otherwise affected as result of this reallocation.
[6] As a result of the 2010 Strategic Review, $23 million in unallocated funds from MRIF were reallocated to other Government priorities. These funds were removed from departmental reference levels through 2011-2012 Supplementary Estimates. No projects have been cancelled or otherwise affected as result of this reallocation.
[7] Legislation enacting permanent funding for the Gas Tax Fund received Royal Assent on December 15, 2011. Contribution funding under this program for 2014-2015 is not reflected above but will be reflected in future documents after funding is approved by Parliament through a future Estimates process.
[8] As a result of the 2010 Strategic Review, Infrastructure Canada is saving $4.9 million on administration by delivering the BCF-MIC more efficiently. These funds are being removed from the Fiscal Framework and made available for other Government of Canada priorities. The funding for projects remains unchanged.
[9] The funding profile under the Green Infrastructure Fund has been extended to March 31, 2019 to allow for the completion of projects with federal funding commitments.
[10] The funding profile under the Green Infrastructure Fund has been extended to March 31, 2019 to allow for the completion of projects with federal funding commitments.
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