Infrastructure Canada
Infrastructure Canada is a Canadian federal department responsible for public infrastructure in the country. The department is headed by the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
History[edit]
The Office of Infrastructure of Canada (Infrastructure Canada) was created as a separate organization in 2002 under the Financial Administration Act.[1] The department was created to undertake infrastructure programs in the country.[1]
There are two programs managed by the department that have their own federal legislation: the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, and the Gas Tax Fund.[1]
Programs[edit]
Infrastructure Canada is the lead federal department responsible for infrastructure policy development and program delivery. The department makes investments for both local and regional infrastructure needs.
In its first year after creation, the department invested mostly in water and wastewater plants, highways, culture, recreation, and broadband projects.[2]
During the Great Recession, the department was tasked with implementing the economic stimulus package of the Conservative Party of Canada's government.[2]
In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the government did not use $616 million set aside for infrastructure spending. The reason given were delays in planning and execution beyond the government's control.[3]
In January 2016, Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi announced a 2-year, $10 billion plan to repair infrastructure across the country.[4]
Branches[edit]
The department is made up of five branches:[5]
- The Policy and Communications Branch
- The Program Operations Branch
- The Corporate Services Branch
- The Audit and Evaluation Branch
- The Federal Montreal Bridges Branch
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Canada, Government of Canada, Infrastructure. "Infrastructure Canada - Info Source 2014 (in English)". www.infrastructure.gc.ca. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
- ^ a b Graham, Katherine A. H.; Andrew, Caroline (2014-01-01). Canada in Cities: The Politics and Policy of Federal-Local Governance. McGill-Queen's University Press. ISBN 9780773544031.
- ^ "Liberals to speed up infrastructure project approvals as millions left unspent". The Hamilton Spectator. 2016-02-01. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
- ^ "City infrastructure projects must be 'shovel-worthy' of federal cash, minister says". CBC News. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
- ^ "Infrastructure Canada - Organizational Structure". infrastructure.gc.ca.
