The mandate of the Transport Canada Highway and Border Policy Branch is to provide national leadership through the development of strategic highway policies which will support the best possible transportation system, one that is safe, efficient, affordable, integrated and environmentally friendly.

Working in collaboration with provincial and territorial departments of transportation, other federal departments, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the private sector and other stakeholders, the Highway and Border Branch is involved in a broad range of highway policy initiatives such as:

• protecting the public investment in highway infrastructure; 
• supporting the transportation needs of Canada consistent with the social and economic policies of the government; 
  ensuring a highway system that supports the competitiveness of business and industry that rely on a seamless transportation network; 
• enhancing highway safety; 
• promoting a more sustainable ground transportation system in Canada; 
• effectively planning for and managing emerging opportunities, initiatives and challenges.

Areas of current interest include: the state of the National Highway System, trade and transportation corridors, international border crossings, inter-modal transportation facilities, highway data systems, new and innovative funding mechanisms, and environmental aspects such as climate change and air pollutants.