Gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus)

Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus Capacity

Governance:

Infrastructure Canada (INFC) is committed to ensuring inclusive outcomes for its infrastructure investments. The INFC Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Responsibility Centre continues to build GBA Plus capacity, application, and reporting in collaboration with the various sectors and branches of the department.

The GBA Plus Responsibility Centre:

  • Facilitates INFC-specific training to build awareness, knowledge and skills to help bring the application of GBA Plus into the mainstream of the department’s work.
  • Reviews cabinet documents (Memoranda to Cabinet, Scenario Notes, etc.), Treasury Board submissions, Budget submissions, and other briefing materials.
  • Provides GBA Plus policy advice for programs, data and reporting, ad-hoc requests, and generalized guidance for all questions relating to GBA Plus.
  • Conducts GBA Plus INFC-specific research and shares information about GBA Plus frameworks, resources and practices.
  • Contributes to GBA Plus-related corporate reporting (i.e., Departmental Plan, Departmental Results Report, WAGE Annual Survey).
  • Liaises with the Department for Women and Gender Equality Canada and the broader Government of Canada GBA Plus Interdepartmental Network.
  • Organizes GBA Plus awareness events within the department and amplifies external events.

In 2022-23, INFC also appointed an executive-level GBA Plus Champion to promote equity considerations at the highest level of departmental planning and ensure analysis is integrated into every stage of the department’s work.

The integration of GBA Plus in all facets of INFC's work – from ideation to decision making, to monitoring and reporting – continues to be supported by senior management. The Deputy Minister's Executive Committee, which is the most senior level of the INFC governance structure, provides strategic direction on policies and programs to ensure that they are made with an understanding of the positive and negative impacts of infrastructure investments on all Canadians.

Overall, INFC continues to be committed to improve the departmental culture with respect to the implementation of GBA Plus and is committed to ensuring equitable outcomes of infrastructure investments for all Canadians.

Capacity:

In 2022-23, the Responsibility Centre launched a multi-disciplinary working group to build GBA Plus competency and expertise within teams across INFC. In addition to continuing to participate in inter-departmental GBA Plus networks, the Responsibility Centre has expanded its presence across various departmental working groups to champion GBA Plus considerations in policy and program development, implementation and reporting.

The GBA Plus Responsibility Centre consists of three full time employees, one full time employee providing part-time support (0.5 FTEs) and one manager (0.25 FTEs) dedicated to the implementation and mainstreaming of GBA Plus across the Department. This represents an increase of 2.25 FTEs over last fiscal year.

Section 2: Gender and Diversity Impacts, by Program

Core Responsibility: Public Infrastructure and Communities Policy

Program Name: Public Infrastructure and Communities Policy

Program Goals: The Public Infrastructure and Community Policy programs provide decision-makers with timely policy recommendations for infrastructure and communities issues.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Infrastructure Canada undertakes evidence-based policy decisions that target the needs of Canadians and stakeholders and are informed by policy centers of expertise, including GBA Plus. As part of regular program and policy development, the department seeks data and undertakes research to ensure GBA Plus impacts are considered. Where information is available on key impacts on gender and diversity by funding program, details are provided under the Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility.

Key impacts that have been undertaken in an effort to address impacts on specific groups, including the development of tailored support for Indigenous applicants and applicants who require additional support, and implementing specific elements in program design to address particular groups:

  • For Indigenous recipients, measures include minimum funding allocation under transfer payment programs and additional flexibility in eligibility criteria for Indigenous infrastructure projects, and higher maximum federal cost-share for Indigenous, rural, and northern projects.
  • Some of INFC’s transfer payment programs were designed specifically for or included dedicated funding streams for particular regions, such as the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream and the Arctic Energy Fund under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
  • Additionally, INFC has been adapting programs to meet the needs of rural and remote communities, for example, launching a stand-alone Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF).

A GBA Plus analysis is included in all applicable budget proposals and cabinet-level documents in line with whole-of-government requirements.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Although inextricably linked to the oversight and delivery of INFC's transfer payment programs, Public Infrastructure and Communities Policy collects GBA Plus data in the following ways:

  • Engagements with academia on research and best practices for the application of equity-based measures in infrastructure investment and development.
  • Reports from community and stakeholder consultations to help inform an intersectional approach to policy and program development.
  • Advocating for the collection and reporting of equity-based measures in provincial and proponent contribution agreements.
  • The creation of policies and reporting intended to improve equity in employment opportunities for certain target groups.

Program Name: Alternative Financing Policy

Program Goals: The Alternative Financing Policy Program provides stakeholders with timely policy recommendations supporting alternative financing of infrastructure.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Infrastructure Canada's policy programs provide decision-makers with timely policy recommendations for infrastructure programs and projects. Infrastructure Canada undertakes evidence-based policy decisions that target the needs of Canadians and stakeholders and are informed by policy centers of expertise, including GBA Plus. Where information is available on key impacts on gender and diversity by funding program, details are provided under the Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Gender and diversity data related to Alternative Financing Policy are inextricable from the oversight and delivery of INFC’s transfer payment programs.

As part of regular program and policy development, the department seeks data and undertakes research to ensure GBA Plus impacts are considered. However, GBA Plus considerations are part of alternative models and funding programs are evidence-based, include close collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and eligibility requirements and procurement practices reflect equitable approaches.

Program Name: Major Bridges Policy

Program Goals: The Major Bridges Policy program provides stakeholders with timely policy recommendations supporting infrastructure project delivery.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Infrastructure Canada's policy programs provide decision-makers with timely policy recommendations for infrastructure programs and projects. Infrastructure Canada undertakes evidence-based policy decisions that target the needs of Canadians and stakeholders and are informed by policy centers of expertise, including GBA Plus. Where information is available on key impacts on gender and diversity by funding program, details are provided under the Public Infrastructure and Communities Investment Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Gender and diversity data related to the Major Bridges & Projects Policy program are inextricable from the oversight and delivery of INFC’s Major Bridge & Project Oversight. Consequently, final outcomes are reported under the corresponding program under the Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility section.

As part of regular program and policy development, the department seeks data and undertakes research to ensure GBA Plus impacts are considered.

Policy development helps support community benefit agreements that were negotiated to minimize negative impacts during construction, encourage equitable employment opportunities, and provide additional benefits of social infrastructure investment for the local community.

Program Name: Homelessness Policy

Program Goals: The Homelessness Policy program works with communities to develop and deliver outcomes-based approaches to address local homelessness needs.

Target Population: Individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness.

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Second group: 60 percent - 79 percent men

By income level

First group: strongly benefits low income individuals (strongly progressive)

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Infrastructure Canada's policy programs provide decision-makers with timely policy recommendations for infrastructure programs and projects. Infrastructure Canada undertakes evidence-based policy decisions that target the needs of Canadians and stakeholders and are informed by policy centers of expertise, including GBA Plus. Where information is available on key impacts on gender and diversity by funding program, details are provided under the Public Infrastructure and Communities Investment Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Gender and diversity data related to the Homelessness Policy program are inextricable from the oversight and delivery of the Reaching Home program. Consequently, reporting of outcomes are appropriately captured under the corresponding program under the Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility section.

The homelessness policy program works to develop analysis and reports with the goal of understanding the drivers, prevalence and demographics of homelessness in Canada, and support action research about what further methods could contribute to eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada.

Core Responsibility: Public Infrastructure and Communities Investment

Program Name: Public Infrastructure and Communities Investment

Program Goals: Public Infrastructure and Communities Investment recommend projects related to public infrastructure and communities to which funds can be committed.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Infrastructure Canada works to deliver policies, programs and projects in support of investments in key areas such as public transit and green infrastructure, climate adaptation for resilience, community and cultural infrastructure, and rural and northern development, in line with the government's commitments to GBA Plus. Through allocation-based and direct-application programming, federal infrastructure funding supports local needs, builds resilient communities and enables the construction and/or renovation of accessible community buildings that serve high-needs, underserved populations. Programs prioritize or are targeted to vulnerable or historically marginalized communities and populations and help to ensure that infrastructure gaps, particularly for Indigenous populations, are considered.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Gender and diversity data related to the Public Infrastructure and Communities Investment program are inextricable from the oversight and delivery of INFC’s transfer payment programs. Consequently, the reporting of GBA Plus outcomes is captured under the corresponding program under the Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility section.

Programs, including ICIP and direct application programs, also capture and measure key GBA Plus indicators at the community level. For example, these indicators consider:

  • whether projects take gender into consideration during the design and/or construction phases;
  • whether public facing built assets incorporate universal design;
  • the percentage of federally funded public facing infrastructure which will meet the highest published applicable accessibility standard in a respective jurisdiction.

GBA Plus is applied in the investments core responsibility through outcomes-based Grants and Contribution Agreements negotiated and signed by the department which includes information to capture and measure indicators related to GBA Plus.

Program Name: Alternative Financing Investment

Program Goals: The Alternative Financing Investment program provides oversight on federal matters relating to the development of alternative financing approaches for projects under this program.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Infrastructure Canada (INFC) works to deliver policies, programs and projects in support of investments in key areas such as public transit and green infrastructure, in line with the government's commitments to GBA Plus.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Gender and diversity data related to the Alternative Financing Investment are inextricable from the oversight and delivery of INFC’s transfer payment programs. GBA Plus outcomes are captured under the corresponding program under the Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility section.

GBA Plus is applied in the investments core responsibility through outcomes-based Grants and Contribution Agreements negotiated and signed by the department which includes information designed to capture and measure indicators related to GBA Plus.

Program Name: Major Bridges Investment

Program Goals: Infrastructure Canada is responsible for oversight of the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated, a Crown corporation with the mandate to operate and maintain several federal structures in the Montreal region, and the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority, which is responsible for the delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor (Ontario) and Detroit (Michigan). The Department is also responsible for the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor that links the island of Montreal to the South Shore.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Infrastructure Canada works to deliver policies, programs and projects in support of investments in important bridge projects.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Gender and diversity data related to the Major Bridges & Projects Investment program are inextricable from the oversight and delivery of INFC’s Major Bridge & Project Oversight Program. GBA Plus outcomes are captured under the corresponding program under the Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility section.

GBA Plus is applied in the investments core responsibility through outcomes-based projects funded through Crown corporations and through the delivery of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor Project which includes information to capture and measure indicators related to GBA Plus.

Program Name: Homelessness Investment

Program Goals: Infrastructure Canada uses a range of funding mechanisms, including direct funding to urban, Indigenous, territorial, rural and remote communities across Canada to help them address their local homelessness needs.

Target Population: Individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness.

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Second group: 60 percent - 79 percent men

By income level

First group: strongly benefits low-income individuals (strongly progressive)

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Infrastructure Canada works to deliver policies, programs and projects in support of investments to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. GBA Plus is applied in the investments core responsibility through outcomes-based Grants and Contribution Agreements negotiated and signed by the department which may include information to capture and measure indicators related to GBA Plus.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Gender and diversity data related to the Homelessness Policy program are inextricable from the oversight and delivery of the Reaching Home program. Results of this investment are captured under the corresponding program under the Oversight and Delivery Core Responsibility section.

The Reaching Home program and the new Veteran Homelessness program capture data relating to funding communities and partners who implement the program, on a community level, which includes wrap-around supports to meet the needs of the diverse populations who are experiencing homelessness in urban and rural communities.

Core Responsibility: Public Infrastructure and Communities Investment Stewardship and Delivery

Program Name: Allocation-Based and Direct Funding Stewardship

Program Goals: For many of INFC’s funding programs, it is the responsibility of program recipients to collect relevant data and report on GBA Plus.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

Canada Community-Building Fund

The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) is a federal transfer that currently provides $2.3B per year of predictable, long-term funding, to help communities build and revitalize their public infrastructure according to local priorities. The program reaches over 3,600 communities across the country, and supports thousands of projects a year in 19 flexible categories.

Through its reach, the program provides essential funding for many small, rural and northern communities, enabling them to build and revitalize their core infrastructure. In addition, the program does not require communities to apply for funding. The funding flows from the federal government to signatories (i.e., provinces, territories, Union of British-Columbia Municipalities, Association of Ontario Municipalities and the City of Toronto) who, in turn, flow the funding to communities, largely on a per capita basis, allowing many communities to access federal funds which they would otherwise not have the capacity to obtain. With respect to community advancement and autonomy, project decisions are made at the local level where community needs are best understood.

Public Transit

Funding under the Permanent Public Transit Program targets small urban and non-urban communities including Indigenous communities. This funding benefits demographic groups including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and low-income Canadians due to their tendency to rely more heavily on public transit. In addition, several of the Funds have specific features designed to ensure that beneficial impacts are inclusive.

For example, the Active Transportation Fund (ATF) invests in community-based projects across the country that create, support or enhance active transportation infrastructure. ATF supported projects provide many benefits to diverse and vulnerable populations, including increased safety for vulnerable road users, creation of economic opportunities, and ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to destinations and resources within their communities – including remote or rural communities. Furthermore, in line with Canada’s commitment to reconciliation, 10% of the funding envelope has been set aside for Indigenous communities.

The Rural Transit Solutions Fund supports projects that help Canadians living in rural and remote areas get around their communities more easily for their day-to-day activities, and connect with other communities nearby. People living in rural, remote, Northern, and Indigenous communities often depend on private vehicles for transportation and often lack access to transit options. Additionally, people without access to private vehicles or who are unable to drive are isolated from essential services or are unable to travel with ease within their own community or visit nearby communities. The Fund also supports reconciliation by helping improve the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people who live in rural and remote areas by helping to establish safe and secure transit systems in their communities. Further a minimum of 10% of the total $250 million funding is allocated to Indigenous projects being led by and for Indigenous populations and communities.

Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) supports community-based infrastructure projects across Canada that respond to impacts of COVID-19 through the adaptation of physical spaces and adoption of technological solutions. The CHCI will enable communities to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 in an inclusive and innovative way, improving the well-being of their residents by addressing, among other obstacles, mobility issues and safe access to public or green space.

CHCI recipients are required to design and implement programming that corresponds with the CHCI's objectives and expected results, including those related to fairness, equity and consideration of diverse vulnerable populations, ensure that promotion and outreach of the CHCI targets diverse and vulnerable groups; and collect and report information in order to fulfill INFC's GBA Plus reporting requirements including such as essential workers, women, people with low incomes, people living in high-density areas, seniors, persons with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness.

Key Program Impacts Statistics:

Transfer Payment Program

Statistics

Observed Results*

Data Source

Comment

Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund

Geographical distribution of approved DMAF projects

Of the 115 approved DMAF projects:

66 projects are located in communities with a population of less than 100,000, which includes 46 projects located in communities with a population less than 30,000;

7 projects support Northern communities;

12 projects are led by Indigenous Recipients

Program Data

Northern communities include those in YT, NT, and NU

Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program

Geographical distribution of approved GICB projects

Of the 192 approved GICB projects:

125 projects are located in communities with a population of less than 100,000, which includes

100 projects located in communities with a population less than 30,000;

5 projects support Northern communities;

64 projects are led by Indigenous Recipients

Program Data

Northern communities include those in YT, NT, and NU

Rural Transit Solutions Fund

Geographical Distribution of approved RTSF projects

Of the 136 approved RTSF projects:

106 projects are located in communities with a population of less than 100,000, which includes

87 projects are located in communities with a population less than 30,000;

8 projects support Northern communities

400 projects are led by Indigenous recipients

Program Data

Northern communities include those in YT, NT, and NU

Active Transportation Fund

Geographical Distribution of approved ATF projects

Of the 497 approved and announced ATF projects:

261 projects are located in communities with a population less than 30,000;

8 projects support Northern communities

30 projects are led by Indigenous recipients

Program Data

Northern communities include those in YT, NT, and NU

Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

Percentage of CHCI funded projects specifically addressing needs of vulnerable groups (including but not limited to veterans, persons with disabilities, newcomers, people experiencing low income, 2SLGBTQIA+)

N/A

Community Foundations Canada final report

Report due to INFC in 2025

*2022-23 or most recent

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

Project location data, along with other data gathered from the project application process and progress reporting for approved projects enable the department to conduct GBA Plus analysis on the basis of regional and geographic distribution.

The Community Employment Benefits (CEB) initiative reporting framework is applied to several of INFC’s transfer payment programs. The reporting framework requires projects report on at least three Community Employment Benefits (CEB) groups. These groups include apprentices, Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, youth and new Canadians, as well as opportunities for small, medium-sized and social enterprises.

The CEB Initiative reporting framework is applied to:

  • Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) approved projects. Recipients, on a case-by-case basis, may be exempt from reporting on the CEB initiative.
  • Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) projects over $10 million in federal contribution. Projects under $10 million are encouraged to report CEB voluntarily.
  • Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) projects above $25 million in total eligible costs. Funding recipients may be exempt from reporting on the CEB initiative at the discretion of the provinces or territory.
  • Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF) all projects with total estimated eligible costs of $10 million or more.
  • Under the Permanent Public Transit Program (PPTP), projects over $10 million in federal contributions, with the exception of the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF).
  • Smart Cities Challenge (SCC) all winning projects.

Canada Community-Building Fund

While the Canada Community-Building Fund, launched in 2005-06 as the Gas Tax Fund, was not initially developed with the consideration of GBA Plus, the provinces and territories are accountable for reporting to the federal government on the projects that were funded and the benefits that were achieved. INFC designed the program to address GBA Plus themes at the program level, influencing those elements that are possible to influence at this level.

For example, INFC changed the per-capita formula for smaller provinces/territories to include a baseline allocation amount, ensuring that smaller populations could also benefit from CCBF funding. The delegation of decision-making authority to the lowest possible level helps to ensure that the bodies best suited to make these decisions are, in fact, the communities themselves.

Finally, the transfer of dedicated funding to Indigenous Services Canada for inclusion in the First Nations Infrastructure Fund also ensures that local First Nations communities have the ability to address infrastructure priorities in their communities. Inuit and Métis Indigenous communities are also individually funded through their respective provinces/territories.

Municipal Asset Management Program

The $110 million Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP) is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and supports improved asset management and data collection for greater evidence-based decision making on infrastructure investments. As part of the MAMP's 2019 program renewal, the FCM included GBA Plus. The FCM will take inclusion of a diverse range of communities into account in their program delivery. While the initial program design did not include GBA Plus, current data collection of outputs for awareness building and technical assistance will be provided in the program analysis.

Research and Knowledge Initiative

The Research and Knowledge Initiative aims to build the capacity of infrastructure decision-makers by funding research and data projects to enhance and disseminate infrastructure-related knowledge and facilitate knowledge-based collaborations and partnerships among infrastructure stakeholders. Supported projects strengthen the development and use of community-level data and research related to public infrastructure in cities, rural and remote areas, and Indigenous communities across Canada.

Smart Cities Challenge

The Smart Cities Challenge actively measures a number of key outcomes which continue to be validated through various methods of data collection and monitoring. This is primarily reflected in the outcomes-based Contribution Agreements signed with winning communities– an innovative funding tool which aligns funding to project outcomes and milestones for achieving them.

Historical Programs

Historical Programs at INFC include: the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF); the Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF); the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component (BCF-CC) and Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC); the Green Infrastructure Fund (GIF); the New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial National Component-National and Regional Projects (PTIC-NRP), Small Communities Fund (PTIC-SCF) and National Infrastructure Component (NBCF-NIC); the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF); and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF). These programs are fully allocated and INFC is not approving new projects under these funds. At the time of program development, a GBA Plus data collection plan was not established and consequently, there are no GBA Plus results to report for these programs beyond information collected through project location data.

Program Name: Alternative Financing Oversight

Program Goals: Alternative financing provides oversight on federal matters relating to the development of alternative financing approaches for projects under this program. Goals include providing decision-makers with timely analysis and policy recommendations supporting alternative financing oversight and governance of infrastructure projects.

Target Population:

All Canadians and the region of Toronto

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

P3 Canada Fund (P3CF):

  • The P3 Canada Fund was created at PPP Canada, a Crown corporation, to advance the public-private partnership procurement (P3) model by provinces, territories, municipalities and First Nations in Canada. In 2017-18, PPP Canada was dissolved and the P3 Canada Fund was transferred to INFC as a Historical Funding Program with twenty-four legacy projects. Of which, payments are still expected for two remaining projects.
  • This program is fully allocated and INFC is not approving new projects under these funds, where the Department expects negligible gender-based outcomes from this program.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB):

  • The CIB is a federal Crown corporation established in 2017 with the mandate to invest in revenue-generating infrastructure projects which benefits Canadians and attracts private capital.
  • The Department expects negligible gender-based outcomes from this program.

Waterfront Toronto:

  • Waterfront Toronto is a tri-governmental organization that oversees and delivers the revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront.
  • As part of its commitment to ensure compensation practices are fair and equitable for all employees, Waterfront Toronto conducts Pay Equity reviews on an annual basis.

Key Program Impacts Statistics:

Statistics

Observed Results*

Data Source

Comment

P3 Canada Fund

N/A

N/A

INFC 2021-22 Departmental Results Report GBA Plus

This program is fully allocated and the Department is not approving new projects under these funds. At the time of program development, a gender-based analysis plus data collection plan was not established and there is no gender-based results to report on for this program.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)

The CIB Board Competency Profile includes voluntary designated groups statistics – % of women members on the Board of Directors

 

55% female, 45% male

CIB Annual Report 2021-22

 

The CIB Diversity and Fair Employment Practices Policy is to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment for its employees

49% team members identify as visible minorities, 42% identify as women, and 22% are bilingual

CIB Annual Report 2021-22

 

CIB conducted a Diversity and Inclusion survey using the recruiting and hiring metric to measure diversity in the CIB’s most recent hired cohort of respondents

CIB achieved an inclusion score of 73.2, 1.2 points higher than the previous year and 2.2 points higher than industry average.Footnote 1

CIB Annual Report 2021-22

Across six inclusion metrics measured in the survey, the CIB saw gains in five of those compared to last year. The 2022 score was near perfect in the recruiting and hiring metric and signaled diversity in the CIB nearly equivalent to diversity in the Canadian population. The D&I survey also highlighted, for the first time, representation in underrepresented groups such as 2SLGBTQIA+ and those identifying as having a disability or mental health condition.

CIB established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee

CIB reviewed the diversity and inclusion strategy and initiatives, including the CIB’s approach to increased representation of Black, Indigenous Peoples and minority communities, as well as the results from the survey used to measure employee inclusion scoring

 

 

CIB Annual Report 2021-22

Committee memberships were reviewed and refreshed to balance diversity of perspectives and retain core skills and experiences to support the committee’s mandate.

CIB is developing a Diversity & Inclusion charter, with a clear set of targets and a workplan, for the organization, focused on three initial priorities: improving employee recruitment & retention, staff education, and talent management practices.

Waterfront Toronto

Women on Waterfront Toronto Staff

60% (51)

Annual Integrated Report 2021-22

 

Waterfront Toronto Staff by Age

Age 18-29: 4

Age 30-50: 58

Age 50+: 23

Total: 85

Annual Integrated Report 2021-22

 

*2022-23 or most recent

Supplementary Information Sources:

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

P3 Canada Fund

At the time of program development for the P3 Canada Fund, a GBA Plus data collection plan was not established and consequently, there are no GBA Plus results to report for this program. For all projects and programs, the Department collects project location data, enabling the department to conduct GBA Plus analysis on the basis of regional and geographic distribution.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)

The CIB has developed and maintains a Board Competency Profile based on membership within “designated groups” as defined in the Employment Equity Act (Canada), including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities and Indigenous peoples. In a voluntary survey conducted by the corporate secretary, directors were asked if they self-identified as a visible minority, an Indigenous person, 2SLGBTQIA+, or a person with a disability.

The CIB developed and published its first multi-year accessibility plan under the Accessible Canada Act in December 2022. The plan outlines the CIB’s strategy and offers a clear roadmap towards meeting our accessibility commitments and goals.

Waterfront Toronto

Waterfront Toronto has developed an evaluation of management approach as part of their commitment to ensure compensation practices are fair and equitable for all employees. Waterfront Toronto has Pay Equity reviews conducted annually. Pay Equity compares female-dominated job classes to male-dominated job classes to ensure no gender biases with respect to how employees are paid.

*All data sources included in table above and under Supplementary Information Sources

Program Name: Major Bridges Oversight

Program Goals: Infrastructure Canada is responsible for oversight of the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), a Crown corporation with the mandate to operate and maintain several federal structures in the region of Montreal, and the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), which is responsible for the delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB) between Windsor (Ontario) and Detroit (Michigan). A key feature of the GHIB is the inclusion of a Community Benefits Plan (CBP). The Department is also responsible for overseeing the delivery and ongoing operation of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor through a public-private partnership.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

Third group: Broadly gender-balanced

By income level

Third group: No significant distributional impacts

By age group

Second group: no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

JCCBI and WDBA both recognize the value of integrating GBA Plus analysis in their day-to-day operations and activities.

JCCBI continues to invest in raising awareness, providing training, and transferring knowledge where required, regarding various workplace well-being elements of GBA Plus including gender awareness / sensitivity, equity, diversity and inclusion. The corporation is also committed to more systematically integrating GBA Plus analysis and considerations into decision making and various operational activities relating to the structures they manage in the greater Montreal region.

WDBA is also implementing strategies to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce to deliver the GHIB project. GBA Plus training has been provided to the WDBA executive team and internal committees, and diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias training has also been offered to staff.

The Infrastructure Canada portfolio also includes the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor. By offering more efficient transportation and more options than the previous structure, including a dedicating public transit corridor and multi-use path, the corridor offers more opportunities for commuters, therefore potentially providing access to a broader range of employment, education and other socio-economic opportunities for all groups.

Key Program Impacts Statistics:

Statistics

Observed Results*

Data Source

Comment

JCCBI's diverse workforce

As of September 30, 2021:

52% of JCCBI’s employees were women; and 48% were men.

4.2% of JCCBI’s workforce was under 30 years of age; 66.7% was between 30 and 50 years of age; and 29.2% was over 50 years of age.

Three of the seven members of JCCBI’s Management Committee and four of the seven members of the Board of Directors were women, including the Chief Executive Officer.

JCCBI's 2022-2023 to 2026-2027 Corporate Plan Summary

JCCBI’s multidisciplinary team consisted of more than 190 people from various disciplines and trades.

In its 2020 report filed under the Employment Equity Act, JCCBI reported that 13.58% of its full-time employees were members of a visible minority, as that expression is defined in the Act.

 

WDBA's diverse workforce

45% female workforce.

41% female leadership team (director level and above).

25% of WDBA's workforce has identified themselves as Indigenous or belonging to a visible minority group.

WDBA's 2021-2022 Annual Report

The corporation includes staff that identify as Indigenous, African American and Canadian, Latino and Middle Eastern.

*2022-23 or most recent

Other Key Program impacts:

The GHIB project includes a Community Benefits Plan (“Plan”). In the Plan, community benefits are identified opportunities that can advance economic, social or environmental conditions for local communities surrounding the bridge. In developing the Community Benefits Plan, it was important that the initiatives selected for implementation would provide positive outcomes for the Windsor-Detroit region and specifically focus on enhancing the communities of Sandwich, Windsor and Delray (Detroit), the neighborhoods closest to the project area.

The Community Benefits Plan reflects community priorities and is comprised of two components:

1. The Workforce Development and Participation Strategy which is geared toward engaging businesses and focuses on supporting workforce, training and pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship opportunities. As of March 31, 2022:

  • 250 local businesses have been engaged within the City of Detroit and Windsor area;
  • Over 8,550 individuals have been oriented to the project in Canada and the US;
  • Over 550 pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships have been assigned to the project; and,
  • 380 co-operative learning experiences have been provided on the GHIB project.

2.  The Neighborhood Infrastructure Strategy focuses on collaborating with stakeholders and community members through consultation to develop a community investment strategy based on identified priorities. The strategy includes $20 million (CAD) in infrastructure investments, of which, $4.7M has been distributed in Canada and the US. Examples of disbursements include:

  • funding to support infrastructure improvements within communities closest to the project;
  • funding to support tree planting and tree giveaway initiatives;
  • funding to support community-based art projects;
  • funding multi-year business development programs in west Windsor and Southwest Detroit;
  • funding Community Organization Investment recipients;
  • vehicles donated to organizations serving Southwest Detroit, and
  • investments into youth programming in West Windsor.

Additional information can be found online at https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/community-benefits-section

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

In 2022-23, JCCBI continued to invest in training, knowledge sharing and awareness about different workplace well-being aspects, including gender, equity, diversity and inclusion through its joint committee and corporate initiatives. JCBBI’s collaboration with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke on various projects for the Honoré Mercier Bridge is an example for the corporation’s initiative to support the GBA Plus.

The corporation is committed to initiate an evaluation of the GBA Plus with a view to integrating it more systematically into its decision-making process and operational activities, where applicable.

In fiscal 2021-22, WDBA engaged an external advisor to undertake an assessment of the diversity, equity and inclusion processes in the organization. Following extensive staff consultation, recommendations were made on how to improve formal and informal structures on representation on leadership levels.

Moving into the 2022-23 fiscal year, WDBA has committed to establishing an action plan that will allow for the continued development of a safe, inclusive and respectful work environment and to fostering a corporate culture where employees of every race, background, orientation and belief feels they belong.

The outcomes of funding to support communities closest to the bridge development will include consultations on a community investment strategy, that will inform community priorities.

Program Name: Homelessness Funding Oversight

Program Goals: The majority of the homelessness program uses a community-based approach so that communities maintain flexibility in determining their own local homelessness needs and priorities and funding projects accordingly.

Target Population: Individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness.

Distribution of Benefits

 

Group

By gender

second group: 60% to 79% men

By income level

first group: strongly benefits low income individuals (strongly progressive)

By age group

no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Key Program impacts* on Gender and diversity:

*2022-23 or most recent

In the 2018 Point-in-Time count approximately one third (33%) of veterans identified as Indigenous. Among non-veterans, 29% self-identified as Indigenous. Veterans experiencing homelessness were older than non-veterans. 8.1% of veterans surveyed were seniors compared to 3.2% of non-veterans.

Shelter data likely underestimates the number of veterans experiencing homelessness. Research indicates that veterans might not self-identify. Also, shelter data and survey data come from urban centres. Research suggests that a significant proportion of homeless veterans may reside outside of urban centres.

Key Program Impacts Statistics:

Statistics

Observed Results*

Data Source

Comment

Number of shelter users who are Indigenous

Indigenous people represented 5.0% of the Canadian population in the 2021 census, but approximately 39.1% of shelter users in 2021, this represents approximately 36,600 individuals.

National Shelter Study 2005 to 2016, Homelessness Data Snapshot: The National Shelter Study 2021 update

Emergency shelter data likely underrepresents the extent of Indigenous peoples’ experience of homelessness. Preliminary data show that while approximately 35% of survey respondents identified as Indigenous during the 2020-22 Point-in-Time (PiT) counts, this percentage was higher among people who were sleeping in unsheltered locations (45%) or staying with others (53%)

Number of people experiencing chronic homelessness

This means the individual used a shelter for at least 6 months in the past year or they accessed a shelter at least once in each of the last 3 years

Of an estimated 93,529 Canadians who used an emergency shelter in 2021, 28,631 were estimated to be experiencing chronic homelessness.

Homelessness Data Snapshot: The National Shelter Study 2021 update

This estimate does not include individuals who did not interact with the shelter system. Preliminary data from the 2020-22 PiT counts show that more than 1 in 4 respondents experiencing homelessness indicated that they had not used a shelter in the past year

Number of shelter users who are veterans

Analysis of 2021 emergency shelter data found that there was an estimated 1,300 veterans accessing emergency shelters in Canada that year. This represents approximately 1.4% of shelter users

Homelessness Data Snapshot: The National Shelter Study 2021 update

 

Shelter users reporting military service were more likely to be male, at 81.9%, than the general shelter population. Males make up 67.8% of all shelter users. A slightly larger proportion of veterans experience chronic homelessness than the broader population experiencing homelessness

Number of people placed into more stable housing

# 64,483

26% Indigenous

22% reported having a disability

2019-2023 Reaching Home Annual Results Reports from Reaching Home funding recipients

Reflects 99% of annual results data for 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22 and 71% for 2022-23. Remaining 1% of 2019-2022 annual results data expected to be available in July 2023. Results will continue to increase for 2022-23 as more data becomes available for reporting.

Demographic information is self-reported data.

*2022-23 or most recent

Other Key Program impacts:

Not available

Supplementary Information Sources:

Infrastructure Canada - Everyone Counts 2020-2022: Preliminary Highlights Report

The National Shelter Study – Emergency shelter use in Canada 2005 to 2016

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan:

The Community Homelessness Report (CHR) is an annual reporting tool for communities to self-assess their progress with Reaching Home implementation. In their CHR, communities are required to report on the program’s five core outcomes, including reducing Indigenous and chronic homelessness when they have a real-time, comprehensive Unique Identifier List in place with enough data and the capacity to report. Data reported in the first (covering 2019-20 and 2021-22) and second (2021-22) CHR reporting cycles shows communities are continuing to improve data quality. Data from the third reporting cycle (2022-23) is currently being submitted by communities to INFC, and is anticipated to be available for analysis in Fall 2023.

Since 2019, communities have reported demographic information on an annual basis. This includes gender, people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous peoples, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. Communities are also asked to report demographic data for individuals who received Reaching Home services such as housing placement, core prevention services, and client support services. This data includes gender intersected with the following sub-populations: people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, refugees, and veterans. As these data are reported by communities each year it will allow for an improved understanding of who is being reached by Reaching Home and any potential gaps in services for vulnerable populations. In 2022-23 Infrastructure Canada (INFC) developed a self-serve dashboard to provide analysts with a tool to analyze information on Reaching Home project details by gender, age and targeted sub-populations such as Indigenous Peoples and Veterans. For 2023-24, INFC will develop a tool with similar capabilities for analysts to analyze Reaching Home annual results.

To better understand the intersectionality of issues related to homelessness, the most recent nationally coordinated Point-in-Time counts included a broader range of survey questions. In addition to existing questions on gender, sexual identity, age, Indigenous identity and newcomer experience, questions have been added regarding racial identity as well as self-reported physical and mental health challenges. A preliminary report on counts that took place between 2020 and 2022 was published in spring 2023, and a full report is expected to be released in summer 2023.

Definitions

Target Population: See Finance Canada definition of Target Group in the User Instructions for the GBA Plus Departmental Summary)

Gender Scale:

  • First group: Predominantly men (e.g. 80 percent or more men)
  • Second group: 60 percent - 79 percent men
  • Third group: Broadly gender-balanced
  • Forth group: 60 percent - 79 percent women
  • Fifth group: Predominantly women (e.g. 80 percent or more women)

Income Level Scale:

  • First group: Strongly benefits low income individuals (Strongly progressive)
  • Second group: Somewhat benefits low income individuals (Somewhat progressive)
  • Third group: No significant distributional impacts
  • Forth group: Somewhat benefits high income individuals (Somewhat regressive)
  • Fifth group: Strongly benefits high income individuals (Strongly regressive)

Age Group Scale:

  • First group: Primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations
  • Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors
  • Third group: Primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation