Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you for inviting me to speak before you.
I’ve been invited here today to speak to you about Chapter 1: Federal Support for Environmentally Sustainable Infrastructure.
This chapter of the commissioner of the environment and sustainable development's 2016 spring report examines federal and municipal infrastructure programs that are intended, among other objectives, to improve the environmental performance and sustainability of Canadian communities.
Specifically, the chapter assesses whether the environmental objectives of the gas tax fund, which is managed federally by Infrastructure Canada, were being achieved and whether Infrastructure Canada had adequately coordinated its program with its partners.
The GTF is an important program, providing over $2 billion annually for municipalities across Canada. It is a stable source of funding that gives communities the flexibility they need to plan, build, and revitalize key infrastructure and address their priorities. A 2015 evaluation of the GTF found that it is viewed by municipalities as one of the most efficient federal programs, due to minimal administrative overhead costs, effective governance, and jurisdictional flexibility.
The commissioner's report identifies areas where we can make further improvements to the GTF. It also proposes improvements to our coordination with partners and data collection. The report also highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure that is sustainable over the long term and meets the real needs of Canadian communities.
Infrastructure Canada agrees with all the recommendations made by the commissioner and is taking action to improve our programming to demonstrate clear results of our initiatives to Canadians. With respect to the GTF, Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with partners to develop an appropriate and effective performance measurement strategy to better inform Canadians of the outcomes of these investments.
As you know, the Government of Canada committed to investing $120 billion in infrastructure over 10 years, including $20 billion in new funding for green infrastructure. Phase one of this long-term plan includes $5 billion toward investments in infrastructure that protect communities and support Canada's ongoing transition to a clean growth economy. Infrastructure Canada is responsible for approximately $2 billion, while other federal departments will manage the remaining funds.
The department is also working with other partners on various fronts to ensure evidence-based decision-making. For instance, Infrastructure Canada is providing $50 million to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for a new asset management fund, which is designed help communities develop infrastructure asset management practices and improve data collection.
We are working with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to provide a baseline of information on the state and performance of the core public infrastructure. We are also working to address the issue of ensuring our public infrastructure is climate resilient. The department is also currently working with the National Research Council on the development of codes and guides for climate-resilient buildings and infrastructure, including a revised national building code by 2020 for residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial buildings. In budget 2016, $40 million was announced to support this initiative.
As identified in budget 2016, our department is actively engaging stakeholders and Canadians regarding phase two of the federal government's infrastructure plan. This will ensure that Canadians have their say as we develop our long-term programming.
Infrastructure is the backbone of our communities, big or small, and our department is committed to implementing the Government of Canada's long-term plan to support the resilient and sustainable infrastructure that is at their core.
Thank you for your time.
My colleagues and I will be available to answer any questions later.