Evidence of meeting #63 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was projects.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Manager, Water Quality Program Division, Water and Air Quality Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Department of Health
Yes.
Conservative
Guy Lauzon Conservative Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON
I think the suggestion that we develop some kind of a loan program should be the priority. Let's get these laterals repaired if that is what's bringing most of the lead into the homes. That's what I would want to get done.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I think it was the officials from Health Canada who earlier mentioned Canadian plumbing. I would like a clarification on that.
The provinces, through their own building codes, can use the federal standards.
Are the national plumbing standards the minimum standard?
Let me explain. If the provinces decide not to include this standard in their building code, does that mean theirs is higher?
If not, could they just not apply that standard?
Manager, Water Quality Program Division, Water and Air Quality Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Department of Health
I do not know whether there is an obligation in that sense. It is not Health Canada's responsibility.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
Thank you.
Let me turn again to the officials from the Office of Infrastructure.
Earlier, we discussed issues such as the number and the size of projects and the amounts awarded.
In recent years, have any public water infrastructure projects not been funded and had to wait for phase 2 because there was no money left in the envelope?
Director General, Program Integration, Office of Infrastructure of Canada
Not to our knowledge.
The project priorities are set by the provinces. So we do not always see all the projects that are approved by the municipalities, but the entire list of projects submitted by the provinces, specifically in relation to the new clean water and wastewater program, has been approved in recent months. As a result, over 800 projects have been approved over the past year. To our knowledge, as long as the allocation by province is met, projects submitted by the provinces are approved.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
Could you tell me whether the needs are greater than the funding you have right now?
Director General, Program Integration, Office of Infrastructure of Canada
For infrastructure in general, the need is greater than the funding available. For example, although $180 billion has been proposed for the next few years, we already see an overall gap of more than $500 billion in infrastructure. I'm not just talking about water projects, but a portion of that amount would be spent on water.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
That brings me to my next question.
As I understand it, project funding ranges from a few tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to a few million dollars. So these are all projects that would not qualify for the infrastructure bank, because projects have to be worth $100 million or more.
Yet, according to what has been announced for the next 10 years, the $35 billion will go directly to the infrastructure bank and those funds will not be able to be used for projects like that.
Is that a significant shortfall for the projects submitted to you by all the provinces and territories?
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Office of Infrastructure of Canada
In my opinion, we must keep in mind that federal investments are still a marginal contribution. Provincial and municipal contributions must also be considered. Clearly, there are various competing needs. The fact remains that, in terms of the new investments, phase 2 that is, almost $22 billion is reserved for green infrastructure. This includes $9 billion to be earmarked for the provinces, which could be used to fund water projects.
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Office of Infrastructure of Canada
So a considerable envelope has been set aside.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
To all our witnesses, thank you very much.
I think you see the interest around this table on this important issue.
Mr. Badawey.
Liberal
Vance Badawey Liberal Niagara Centre, ON
I would like to make two comments.
One, and you hit it right on the head, this is already being funded by municipal, provincial, and federal programs, the building Canada fund, and the gas tax fund. It's up to the municipalities to prioritize this issue and enter into these programs. We have to recognize that. This has already been funded, but it's up to the municipalities to fund the particular programs that the residents may want to acquire.
Two, Madam Chair, we are entering into a process for smarter cities. May I suggest that we continue this dialogue with Mr. Bratina through the smart cities growth planning initiative so we can encourage municipalities and the province to make this a priority?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
It's a good point. We tried to get FCM this week, but they were not available on either date. They are, however, giving us a written submission.
Thank you very much for those comments, Mr. Badawey.
To all of the witnesses, again thank you. I have a feeling we may be talking to you further.
We will suspend the meeting briefly and will continue in camera.
[Proceedings continue in camera]