2016-2017
Report on Plans and Priorities
Section 2

Notes:
* "Core public infrastructure" comprises the following asset categories: bridges, roads, water, wastewater, public transit and, cultural and recreational facilities.
** "Stock" refers here to the value of all core public infrastructure assets still in use. The purchase of new capital, and thus investment, increases the stock of capital. Depreciation decreases the stock of capital through wear and tear and the passage of time. (Sources for these indicators are OECD and Statistics Canada data.)
*** Target expressed as a growth rate and developed using a three-year moving average of the annual growth.

2.1.1 Program: Funding for Provincial-Territorial Priorities

Program Description:

This program provides predictable funding to each province and territory to enhance Canada's public infrastructure system. Federal payments to provinces and territories are made in accordance with the terms and conditions of signed funding agreements, including federal acceptance of Capital Plans and Expenditure Reports. Funding through this program leverages additional contributions from other funding partners to increase overall investment in public infrastructure for Canadians. Payments may be made up-front and cost-sharing provisions apply to a Capital Plan as a whole, and not the individual initiatives within a Capital Plan. This program uses funding from the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund transfer payment.

* Cumulative targets over the life of the program, estimated up to March 31, 2017.

Planning Highlights

In order to provide provinces and territories with federal financial support for their infrastructure priorities, key planning highlights under this program include:

• Focusing on program close-out in provinces and territories that meet all applicable program end requirements, by reviewing and accepting any planned final Expenditure Reports required to release final federal payments to jurisdictions under the program;
• Continuing to ensure the sound administration of the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund by focusing on program stewardship and prudent management.

As provinces and territories continue to move toward the completion of all initiatives under this program, the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Base Fund provides predictable funding to help them address their core infrastructure priorities.

2.1.2 Program: Permanent and Flexible Infrastructure Funding

Program Description:

In support of community infrastructure for Canadians, this program provides long-term and predictable funding for municipalities, supporting long-term municipal planning and asset management in order to address infrastructure priorities. Funding is provided to build and rehabilitate public infrastructure based on overall compliance with the terms and conditions of the governing agreements. Federal funding is provided up-front and does not need to be used in the year it is provided. This program uses funding from the Gas Tax Fund transfer payment.

Planning Highlights

In order to provide municipalities with federal financial support for their infrastructure priorities, key planning highlights under this program include:

• Collaborating with provincial, territorial and municipal partners to ensure that municipalities have ongoing access to funding to build and improve municipal infrastructure;
• Collaborating with provincial, territorial and municipal partners to develop project and performance reporting frameworks for new project categories.
• Continuing to implement the renewed federal-provincial/territorial administrative agreements for the permanent Gas Tax Fund. Other activities will include ensuring and monitoring compliance with all program requirements to allow Infrastructure Canada to flow GTF payments to signatories.

2.1.3 Program: Investments in National Infrastructure Priorities

Program Description:

This program directs funding to infrastructure projects that help to advance national priorities that are important to Canadians. Funding is provided largely through merit-based review of proposals and does not include allocations to provinces and territories. Funding through this program leverages additional contributions from other funding partners for eligible infrastructure projects. Payments are provided as work progresses under the terms of signed contribution agreements. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: the New Building Canada Fund-National Infrastructure Component, Green Infrastructure Fund, Border Infrastructure Fund and the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Fund.

* Annual targets, estimated up to March 31, 2017. Rolled-up targets for this Program are based on the following transfer payment programs: the New Building Canada Fund-National Infrastructure Component, the Green Infrastructure Fund, the Border Infrastructure Fund, and the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Fund.

Planning Highlights

The planning highlights for this program fall under the following four transfer payment programs:

New Building Canada Fund-National Infrastructure Component:

In order to provide funding for projects of national significance, particularly those that support job creation, economic growth and productivity, key planning highlights for 2016-2017 under the New Building Canada Fund-National Infrastructure Component include:

• Continuing to work with project proponents to implement the New Building Canada Fund-National Infrastructure Component by reviewing the project business cases submitted and negotiating and signing contribution agreements for projects approved in principle; and
• Overseeing project-specific agreements, ensuring that the terms of these agreements are respected, that claims are processed efficiently, and that projects progress and are completed in compliance with agreement conditions.

Green Infrastructure Fund (2009*):

In order to provide funding for public infrastructure projects that contribute to cleaner air, cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and to support a more sustainable economy over the long term, key planning highlights under the Green Infrastructure Fund include:

• Continuing to negotiate contribution agreements for green infrastructure projects announced as funding priorities under the Green Infrastructure Fund; and
• Collaborating with partners to complete amendments to individual project funding agreements, allowing sufficient time for recipients to complete all projects.

* Note: The Green Infrastructure Fund referenced in this section is the fund that was announced in Budget 2009, as part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Border Infrastructure Fund:

As funding under the Border Infrastructure Fund is entirely committed to projects, the Department will focus primarily on monitoring the final three projects under the Border Infrastructure Fund, in partnership with Transport Canada.

Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Fund:

The construction of the first all-season road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk will connect southern Canada to the Arctic Coast of the Beaufort Sea. This will contribute to and generate economic and social opportunities for Aboriginal peoples, Northerners and their communities. Key planning highlights under this fund include:

• Flowing milestone payments to the government of the Northwest Territories as per the terms and conditions of the agreement; and
• Overseeing and ensuring the sound administration of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Fund with a focus on program stewardship and prudent management.

2.1.4 Program: Large-Scale Infrastructure Investments

Program Description:

This program invests in infrastructure projects of national, regional and/or local significance. Funding through this program leverages additional contributions from other funding partners for eligible infrastructure projects. Funding may be jurisdictionally allocated. Actual payments are provided as work progresses under the terms of signed contribution agreements. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: the New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects, Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component and the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.

* Annual targets, estimated up to March 31, 2017. Rolled-up targets for this Program are based on the following transfer payment programs: the New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects, the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component and the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.

Planning Highlights

The planning highlights for this program fall under the following three transfer payment programs:

New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects:

In order to provide funding for projects of national and regional significance, key planning highlights for 2016-2017 under the New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects (PTIC-NRP) include:

• Continuing to work with the provinces and territories to implement the program, by reviewing project proposals that have been prioritized by a province or territory, and negotiating and signing contribution agreements for projects approved in principle; and
• Overseeing the implementation of project-specific agreements, ensuring that the terms of these agreements are respected, that claims are processed efficiently, and that projects progress and are completed in compliance with agreement conditions.

Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component:

In order to provide funding for larger infrastructure projects of national or regional significance that contribute to a competitive economy, cleaner environment and livable communities, key planning highlights under the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component include:

• Continuing to complete project due diligence and sign project-specific contribution agreements for major infrastructure projects announced as funding priorities under the 2007 Building Canada Fund;
• Continuing to oversee the implementation of project-specific agreements, in collaboration with partners, as appropriate, to ensure that the terms of these agreements are respected, that claims are processed efficiently and that close-out of projects is completed; and
• Collaborating with partners to complete amendments to individual project funding agreements, to allow sufficient time for recipients to complete all projects.

Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund:

In order to provide funding for quality, cost-effective public infrastructure that meets the needs of Canadians, key planning highlights under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund include:

• Overseeing the implementation of project-specific agreements, in collaboration with partners, as appropriate, to ensure  that the terms of these agreements are respected and that claims are processed efficiently;
• Collaborating with partners to complete amendments to individual project funding agreements, allowing sufficient time for recipients to complete all projects; and
• Adhering to consistent monitoring and reviewing procedures while overseeing project completion and close-out.

2.1.5 Program: Infrastructure Investments in Small Communities and Rural Areas

Program Description:

This program invests in infrastructure projects in small communities and rural areas to support local and/or regional priorities and economies. Funding through this program leverages additional contributions from other funding partners for eligible infrastructure projects. Funding may be jurisdictionally allocated. Payments are provided based on eligible costs incurred with respect to signed contribution agreements. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: the New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-Small Communities Fund and the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component.

* Annual targets, estimated up to March 31, 2017. Targets for this program are based on the following transfer payment programs: the New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-Small Communities Fund and the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component.

Planning Highlights

The planning highlights for this program fall under the two following transfer payment programs:

New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-Small Communities Fund:

In order to provide funding for local projects in communities of less than 100,000 people, key planning highlights for 2016-2017 under the New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-Small Communities Fund (PTIC-SCF) include:

• Negotiating and signing any remaining agreements with provinces and territories;
• Working with provinces and territories to oversee the implementation of agreements, ensuring that the terms of these agreements are respected, that claims are processed efficiently; and
• Collaborating with provincial, territorial and municipal partners to develop project progress and performance reporting frameworks.

Building Canada Fund-Communities Component:

In order to provide funding for local projects in small communities of less than 100,000 people, key planning highlights under the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component (BCF-CC) include:

• Working with Federal Delivery Partners and provinces to oversee the ongoing delivery of the program in compliance with agreements, ensuring that the terms of these agreements are respected, that claims are processed efficiently; and
• Working with Federal Delivery Partners and provinces, as the BCF-CC begins to wind down, to focus primarily on completing requirements for project closure, monitoring ongoing projects and preparing for program close-out.

2.1.6 Program: New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project (commonly known as the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project)

Program Description:

This program ensures the overall delivery of the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project in Montreal, Quebec. Infrastructure Canada is the project authority charged with overseeing the delivery of this project which will provide a safe, secure and efficient crossing for local residents, commuters and commercial traffic. The new bridge and its corridor will contribute to the increased capacity and efficiency of gateway and corridor infrastructure regionally and nationally. The project is being carried out as a public-private partnership.

Planning Highlights

In addition to the expected results identified above, efforts under this program will contribute to meeting one of the Department's priorities for 2016-2017, as described in section 1.4 of this report. The Department will also manage risks related to the delivery of the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project, as described in section 1.5.

In order to advance the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project, Infrastructure Canada will undertake the following key initiatives in 2016-2017:

• Oversee the implementation of the Project Agreement with Signature on the Saint-Laurent Group (private partner), and work on moving the project forward on a toll-free basis;
• Support the construction of the assets through work plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance;
• Continue to implement the environmental assessment mitigation strategy;
• Continue to work with stakeholders, including provincial and municipal governments, other public and private organizations and Canadians to promote the safety and efficiency of the St. Lawrence Corridor; and
• Inform Canadians about the project's progress in partnership with Signature on the Saint-Laurent Group.

2.2 Program: Internal Services

Program Description:

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization, and not those provided to a specific program. As of April 1, 2015, the Internal Services structure was revised to include the following ten sub-programs: Management and Oversight, Communications, Legal, Human Resources Management, Financial Management, Information Management, Information Technology, Real Property, Materiel and Acquisition.

Planning Highlights

The planning highlights for Internal Services focus on the key activities that help strengthen the services to support the Department in its mandate.

Management and Oversight:

Internal Audit:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Proactively monitor the audit universe and identify emerging risks based on the Department's major activities;
• Implement the approved risk-based audit plan and report findings to the Departmental Audit Committee;
• Provide an evidence-based follow-up process to monitor the implementation of management action plans for all outstanding audit recommendations; and
• Provide advisory services in support of management requests.

Evaluation:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Implement the approved evaluation plan and report findings to the Departmental Evaluation Committee;
• Provide an evidence-based follow-up process to monitor the implementation of management action plans for all outstanding evaluation recommendations; and
• Provide advice and guidance on the development of Performance Measurement Strategies and Frameworks.

Risk Management:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Monitor and report on the implementation and effectiveness of risk responses;
• Review and update the Department's Corporate Risk Profile through its established risk management approach which includes an environmental scan, risk identification and assessment, risk responses and risk monitoring; and
• Continue to build on recent initiatives that aim to strengthen the integration between risk management and internal planning processes.

Corporate Planning:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Continue to improve its planning and reporting processes through fuller engagement to better align with departmental needs, to support priority-setting, Performance Management Agreements and decision-making, to embark on a three-year Corporate Strategic Plan, and to enhance the departmental performance story.

Oversight of Crown Corporation: Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Continue to provide support and oversight of JCCBI, to ensure that JCCBI has access to the necessary parliamentary appropriations to carry out its priorities; and
• Oversee the interface between JCCBI and the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project in order to ensure that both JCCBI and New Champlain Bridge Corridor project commitments are fulfilled.

Oversight of Crown Corporation: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Continue to provide support and oversight of WDBA, to ensure that WDBA has access to the necessary parliamentary appropriations to carry out its priorities.

Strategic Policy:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Build and maintain infrastructure policy expertise to advise senior management;
• Complete the design of any new programs that may be announced; and
• Engage with key partners and stakeholders and monitor issues to advise senior management.

Communications:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Communicate up-to-date information related to federal infrastructure investments, including the new 10-year plan that will deliver significant new investments in public transit, social and green infrastructure, and existing programming like the New Building Canada Fund and the federal Gas Tax Fund;
• Provide effective communications support for the New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Corridor Project, the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative to ensure public awareness about these projects and their benefits;
• Continue to make key information readily available to local and national media through announcements and other activities;
• Continue to improve and update our public web content with information for Canadians and stakeholders;
• Provide corporate and internal communications to support senior management, the Minister's Office, organizational effectiveness and employee engagement; and
• Continue to innovate and take advantage of new digital communications platforms to tell INFC's story to Canadians.

Human Resources Management:

During the planning period, the Department will continue efforts to renew the workforce, to support employee development and to ensure that the workplace promotes the well-being, wellness and productivity of employees by:

• Supporting Blueprint 2020 and the 2014 Public Service Employee Survey Action Plan initiatives related to people management;
• Ensuring the Department has the right people with the right mix of skills to meet departmental priorities through organizational design and targeted recruitment;
• Implementing the new enterprise-wide, government systems related to people management such as My GCHR and Phoenix;
• Continuing to foster a positive culture of values and ethics and promote diversity and the use of both of Canada's official languages;
• Continuing to provide targeted and relevant learning opportunities and developmental programs to INFC employees; and
• Continuing to ensure a healthy and respectful workplace through well-managed workspaces, and by providing access to employee services that foster health and wellbeing.

Financial Management:

During the planning period, the Department will continue to strengthen the overall effectiveness of financial management by:

• Continuing to monitor and assess its internal controls over financial reporting;
• Participating in and/or implementing government-wide initiatives, such as pay modernization, financial management transformation, and other back office reform initiatives; and
• Aligning its financial management policy suite with the new Treasury Board financial management policy framework.

Information Management:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Directly support program activities. These investments will largely focus on enhancing the Program Information Management System (PIMS) to support the delivery of the new infrastructure programs and existing programs like the New Building Canada Fund and the renewed Gas Tax Fund, and continued support of the New Champlain Bridge Corridor project IMIT requirements.

Access to Information and Privacy Services:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Ensure timely responses to Access to Information and Privacy Act (ATIP) inquiries; and
• Provide ongoing training for employees.

Information Technology:

During the planning period, the Department will:

• Continue to support whole-of-government initiatives related to information technology (IT) modernization in areas such as policy renewal and changes in the provision of services for email, telephone, document management, end-user devices and software; and
• Complete the integration of IT Security with Corporate Security/Occupational Health and Safety to improve our ability to coordinate, respond to and investigate incidents, as well as provide a secure and healthy workplace.