Finance committee  A number of factors underlie this issue. Indeed, we have noted a downward trend in infrastructure investments, not only in Canada, but also around the world. Today, we see that there are shortcomings in that area. Infrastructure has gotten too old. That is why the IMF is sort of

Finance committee  There is a short answer to your question. A good economic cost-benefit analysis goes beyond the financial or economic aspect in the general sense. It takes into account both tangible and intangible factors. It is difficult, but not impossible, to quantify those things. Methods a

Finance committee  I have not done any modelling on that specific aspect, but you are right to bring this up. Infrastructure has to be considered in a broader sense. That involves anything you may refer to as amenities, which are essential to municipalities in particular. Once again, it would be i

Finance committee  If I understand the question correctly, some needs fall within the provincial domain.

Finance committee  I have to admit that I haven't looked closely at how that funding is broken down. Again, what I would like to see is a broader conversation that takes into account that question and others, one that would examine how projects are selected. An analysis of how projects are prioriti

Finance committee  That's an excellent question. I think it's false to say that social programs in central Canada are funded by other provinces. I think it would be important to recognize that Quebec's social programs—which are somewhat more generous—are certainly funded, as is the case in other p

Finance committee  Equalization payments are determined based strictly on the difference between provinces' fiscal capacity and not based on the choices made. That's why I am once again stressing the importance of equalization programs that get the job done. I think there is reason to believe that

Finance committee  As I mentioned earlier, this past month, the IMF indicated that, according to international organizations, the time had come to take steps to encourage infrastructure investment. I am not fundamentally worried that we are falling behind developing countries. But we do need to ens

Finance committee  I will conclude by stressing the importance of subjecting the public infrastructure sector to research and study, especially academic research. That type of analysis requires data, and it is incumbent upon public organizations to make that data available, in other words open data

Finance committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to your pre-budget consultations today. I am going to spend my time focusing on the conditions that are necessary to ensure that federal investments in infrastructure effectively encourag