MRIF Information

• Funding allocation
• Partnerships
• Program application and delivery
• Supporting wider Government of Canada objectives

Funding allocation

To ensure an equitable balance in the MRIF, each province and territory and First Nations communities receives a base allocation of $15 million, with the remaining funds allocated on a per capita basis. This formula ensures that provinces, territories and First Nations have a meaningful amount of base funding to address pressing public infrastructure needs.

The Government of Canada also wants to achieve a balance between the infrastructure needs of urban and rural parts of the country. Therefore, at least 80 percent of funding under the MRIF is dedicated to municipalities with a population of less than 250,000. The remaining funds are available to municipalities with a population of over 250,000. Population figures are reviewed at the time of application, to take into consideration population growth and municipal amalgamation or de-amalgamation processes.

Partnerships

Through the MRIF, the Government of Canada continues to work in productive partnerships with provinces, territories, and municipalities, as well as First Nations and the private sector, to invest in local infrastructure projects. These projects are vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life in Canadian communities.

The MRIF is cost-shared, with the Government of Canada contributing, on average, one-third of total project eligible costs. Provinces and municipalities contribute the remainder. In recognition of the unique circumstances of the First Nations and the Territories, where many communities have no tax base, the Government of Canada may contribute more than one-third.

Program application and delivery

In order to streamline the application process, a joint application form is available on Infrastructure Canada’s web site. It is based on the form used with most jurisdictions for the delivery of the Infrastructure Canada Program.

Project selection for the MRIF is guided by joint federal-provincial/territorial Management Committees. As well, a role for municipal associations is defined during the negotiations with the provinces and territories.

A timeline on when applications are accepted is determine during the negotiations with the provinces and territories.

The MRIF is delivered federally through five regional agencies: Industry Canada (Ontario); Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (Quebec); Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Atlantic); Western Economic Diversification (West); and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (First Nations and the Territories).

Supporting wider Government of Canada objectives

Government of Canada objectives on the environment, sustainable development, climate change, water quality, urban life, and innovation guide project eligibility so that Canadians obtain maximum benefits from infrastructure funding.

In total across Canada, a minimum of 60 percent of funding under the MRIF, with a minimum of 40 percent per jurisdiction, targets “green infrastructure” that provide a better quality of life and benefit through sustainable development. These include water, wastewater, solid waste, municipal energy improvements, and public transit. The fund also invests in cultural, tourism and recreational infrastructure, local roads and broadband connectivity.

Federal funding for each project is conditional upon meeting the requirements of all applicable environmental legislation, including those of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and its regulations.

To enhance the benefits of these infrastructure investments, where possible, the Government of Canada encourages cities, provinces and territories to pursue policies supportive of the funded project. For example, municipal parking rates should encourage the use of a mass transit project being funded through the MRIF. This example would then support federal climate change objectives by reducing passenger car use and gas emissions.