Building A Stable and Secure Canada Presentation By: Associate Deputy Minister, Transport Canada, Patrick Obendoerfer Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy, Department of Infrastructure, Katherine Guse Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy, Department of Finance, Paul Prepas Director of Communications, Privy Council Office, Emman Rahman
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Recommend a strategic response to Canada s ageing infrastructure and the associated economic and safety concerns through collaboration with all levels of government, in order to ensure the safety of Canadians. 2
Current Context 1. Abbotsford train derailment 2. Winnipeg flooding 3. Nippon River bridge collapse 4. Old Baseford Dam deterioration in Nelson, B.C. 5. Telecommunications Blackout in Montreal 6. GTA Power Failure 3
Problem Definition 1. Canada s ageing infrastructure has led to significant public safety concerns 2. Intergovernmental issues have complicated the efficient distribution of funds 3. Significant regulatory deficiencies have occurred on key infrastructure sectors 4. Challenges in addressing infrastructure deficit while maintaining fiscal objectives 4
Objectives 1. Identify key issues in regulatory policies and programs 2. Implement opportunities to improve existing programs and resources 3. Ongoing commitment to building and maintaining safe infrastructure 4. Encourage innovation in infrastructure financing 5
Proposed Options 1. Enhanced Dialogue Approach: Collaboration starting at the executive level such as Minister s meeting! Public views this as simply politics! Fosters media attention but little consensus building 2. Committed Partnership Approach: Builds consensus across governments, departments and experts We recommend Option 2. 6
Short Term! Rail infrastructure compliance audit! Horizontal evaluation of existing regulatory programs Federal and Provincial Ministers Infrastructure Steering Committee Finance Steering Committee 7
Medium Term Build a Policy Community Federal and Provincial Ministers Independent Infrastructure Advisory Panel CBuild Infrastructure Steering Committee Finance Steering Committee Workshops & Conferences 8
Risks Mitigation Advisory Panel:! Increased funding pressure on the Federal Government! Majority control by provinces Program Evaluation:! Multiple reports highlight the shortcomings of present government programs Advisory Panel:! Mandate will be negotiated with participating actors! Minister of Transport reserves right to make appointments Program Evaluation:! Ministers will control timing of reports Workshops:! May be perceived as a Federally controlled program Workshops:! Chair will ensure independent operation of workshops 9
Long Term Considerations! Implementation of regulations resulting from horizontal coordination work with parliamentary committees! Use Infrastructure Advisory Board recommendations as the basis for continued collaboration between governments! Funding opportunities highlighted by the Finance Steering Committee can connect investment 10
Communications Strategy Short Term Priority - Public Safety! News release by Minister of Transport The Government of Canada greatly sympathizes with Canadians and their families that have suffered in light of recent tragic events. The government is working in collaboration with its provincial counterparts and stakeholders to develop sustainable infrastructure solutions. Our top priority is to protect the safety of all Canadians, as well as to utilize and innovate existing programs and resources in continuing to maintain economic prosperity. 11
Communications Strategy Medium Term Priority - Infrastructure 1. Affirm existing Federal programs 2. Highlight Government s consensus building processes 3. Promote new Smartphone application - InfraApp Long Term Priority Economy! Frame infrastructure successes as consistent with the Economic Action Plan 12
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Conclusion & Appendices 14
Long Term 15
List of Stakeholders! Federation of Canadian Municipalities! PPP Canada! Young Leaders of Infrastructure! Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships! Banks and investment firms! Pension Fund managers 16
Long Term Financing! User fees Options 17
Policy Workshops! Timeframe: 3 years (Conference 6 months)! Estimated Cost: $1.5 million! Funding Source: National Infrastructure Component along with Provinces and Municipalities! Main Actors: Infrastructure specialists, chief urban planners, FCM etc.! Role/Responsibility: Infrastructure Steering Committee 18
Program Evaluation! Timeframe: 18 months! Estimated Cost: $2 million! Funding Source: National Infrastructure Component! Role/Responsibility: External evaluation administered by Transport Canada 19
Independent Advisory Panel! Timeframe: 4 years, possible extension 1 year! Estimated Cost: $10 million! Funding Source: National Infrastructure Component! Main Actors: Policy experts, federal, provincial, territorial and municipal public servants! Appointment Structure: Provinces 11, Federal 9! Minister of Transport retains the right to approve appointments! Role/Responsibility: Prioritize and allocate infrastructure and finance projects and funding 20
InfraApp! Timeframe: 1 year! Estimated Start-Up Cost: $500,000! Funding Source: National Infrastructure Component! Role/Responsibility: Infrastructure Canada, Provincial/ Territorial Transport departments 21