Evidence of meeting #3 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was municipalities.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
No, we're not talking about the Constitution.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
I just want to know the outcome. What is happening with phase two of the Montreal metro renovation program? I know that refurbishment work is planned. The negotiations have not slowed down, and the work is imminent. Has an agreement on the second phase of funding been reached?
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
I am not directly involved in those projects, but I could provide you with that information.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
I really liked my colleague Olivia's question about leadership and partnership. I want to get back to that, for our committee's benefit.
You say that you have bilateral agreements with Ontario and Quebec, for instance, but you also talked about the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. This area is of course everyone's responsibility, but what are you doing, while respecting jurisdictions, to strengthen this partnership? That began under Paul Martin's leadership, with the gas tax, which eventually became permanent. Aside from that money, what tangible actions in terms of discussions, partnerships and visions—an urban planning action plan must be put forward, and so on—are being taken to bring everyone to the same table? What role is the federal government playing? Does it just provide the money or does it play a larger role?
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
The Government of Canada's role varies according to the current government's objectives. Now we negotiate directly with the provinces. The Government of Canada rarely negotiates agreements with municipalities, except when the province is okay with it.
The Constitution clearly states that the municipal sector comes under provincial jurisdiction, and the Government of Canada respects jurisdictions.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Public transit is extremely important. In addition, you must not only assess the current infrastructure, but also repair it.
So, do you have in your notes a concrete answer about the future of the Champlain Bridge and the public transit affected by it? Do you have anything to announce today?
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
Unfortunately....
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
I am not directly involved in the Champlain Bridge project.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Aren't you in charge of communications and policies? You have surely conducted a policy evaluation so that you can talk to the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited representatives.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
No, to tell you the truth, that is handled by Transport Canada. We are part of the same portfolio, but I am the Assistant Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Canada.
Liberal
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
Exactly.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Fancy that! I have never had this much time, ever.
At the federal level, you probably work with Environment Canada and others. Do you also work with universities? I assume that you do more than just provide funding. In terms of R&D, do you work, for instance, on the electric car and similar projects?
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
At Infrastructure Canada, we have a small research program that works with universities and colleges.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
I think it's $40 million in Quebec alone. In addition, for each jurisdiction, we can earmark 1% of the infrastructure money available for the research sector. However, that money is not used very much, since the demands for capital construction [Editor's note: inaudible].
Conservative
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan—Coquihalla, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have just a quick question.
I appreciate your being here today and your presentation.
I understand that Infrastructure Canada has already funded a lot of public infrastructure projects. How else can the government help municipalities customize infrastructure to make sure it meets their current needs?
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Communications Branch, Infrastructure Canada
I think the situation in every municipality is unique and the municipalities are best placed to answer those questions.
Generally speaking, what the Government of Canada looks at when transit infrastructure projects are proposed is essentially whether it is a reasonable project: are you overbuilding or are your modal share projections realistic? One of the characteristics of public transit is that it's very, very capital intensive, so to the extent that it's already so capital intensive, you don't want to be overbuilding infrastructure, because the more you overbuild, the harder it is for you to maintain that going forward.
But again, ultimately the answer to your question varies by municipality.
