Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

How can I find the phone number for an employee at Infrastructure Canada?

The Government of Canada phone directory is available online through the Government Electronic Directory Services (GEDS).

For media inquiries, please call our national information line at (613) 948-1148. 

Infrastructure Canada’s Funding Programs

What is Building Canada?

Building Canada is the Government of Canada's new infrastructure plan that commits an unprecedented $33 billion in funding over seven years - through to 2014 - to infrastructure projects that deliver results in three areas of national importance: a growing economy, a cleaner environment, and more prosperous communities.

Building Canada provides flexible, predictable and stable funding for municipalities through several programs:

• $8.8 billion Building Canada Fund (BCF);
• $1.25 billion Public-Private Partnership (P3) Fund;
• $8.8 billion Gas Tax Fund (GTF);
• 100% GST Rebate;
• Plus, improvements to border crossings and gateways (e.g. better roads and road-rail grade crossing).

Visit the Building Canada Web site at www.buildingcanada.gc.ca for more information.

What existing funds are provided by Infrastructure Canada? What types of infrastructure projects are eligible under each of these funding programs?

Infrastructure Canada funds a variety of projects through our funding programs. Each one of these programs help finance specific types of infrastructure projects.

1. Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF)
2. Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF)
3. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
4. Infrastructure Canada Program (ICP)
5. Federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF)
6. Federal Public Transit Fund (PTF)

• The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) operates in partnership with provinces, territories and municipalities to finance large-scale infrastructure projects.  Projects under CSIF are of major national and regional significance in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and Canadians’ quality of life. 
  
  CSIF projects must fit in one of the following categories:

• Highway and railway infrastructure;
• Local transportation infrastructure;
• Tourism or urban development infrastructure;
• Water or sewage infrastructure; or
• Broadband (telecommunications connectivity).

Eligibility for CSIF funding also depends on the populations of the province or territory.  Eligible costs for projects in provinces and territories with populations of 750 000 or less must be at least $10 million.  For provinces with populations between 750,000 and 1.5 million, the threshold is at least $25 million.  For provinces with populations exceeding 1.5 million, eligible project costs must be at least $75 million.  More information on this can be found in the CSIF Funding and Investment Criteria page.

Visit the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund section for more information about this program.

• The Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF) works with provinces, municipalities, and partners from both Canada and the U.S. to support the Smart Borders Action Plan. The Plan seeks to create a secure flow of people and goods, secure infrastructure, information sharing and coordination ensuring the above, and support programs to speed the flow of pre-screened, low-risk travelers.
  
  BIF projects must address the following:

• Reduction of congestion;
• Enhancement of capacity;
• Co-ordination with an adjacent U.S. border facility and road access network;
• Support for the implementation of the Smart Borders Action Plan;
• Enhancement of safety and security at the border crossing; and
• Financial participation of other public and private sector partners.

Visit the Border Infrastructure Fund section for more information about this program.

• The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) was created to provide funding for smaller-scale, local community infrastructure.  Through partnerships with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, funds from this program mainly focus on the needs of communities of 250,000 people or fewer as well as the infrastructure needs of First Nations communities.
  
  The MRIF focuses on infrastructure projects in areas like water, wastewater, cultural and recreation to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for smaller communities and First Nations. MRIF funding is application-driven, which means that project proponents must submit an application for the evaluation of their project. Each project is evaluated by a federal-provincial committee, based on program criteria.
  
  Visit the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund section for more information about this program.
  
  
• The Infrastructure Canada Program (ICP), in partnership with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, has funded green municipal infrastructure to improve air and water quality.  Local transportation infrastructure (including public transit), cultural and recreational facilities, and rural and remote telecommunications are also categories under this fund.
  
  Please note that virtually all ICP funding has been committed. 
  
  Visit the Infrastructure Canada Program section for more information about this program.
  
  
• The Federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) supports sustainable municipal infrastructure that meets shared national objectives on clean water, clean air and reduced greenhouse gases. Funding also supports integrated community sustainability planning (ICSP).
  
  Visit the Gas Tax Fund section for more information about this program.
  
  
• The Federal Public Transit Fund (PTF) has provided a one-time contribution of $400 million to provinces and territories in 2005-06 for public transit infrastructure in cities and communities. These funds support environmental outcomes of cleaner air and lowered greenhouse gas emissions.
  
  Visit the Public Transit Fund section for more information about this program.

How do I seek funding for a project under the following programs?

• Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) projects are typically chosen according to regional and national infrastructure priorities, in consultation with provinces and territories.  Proponents work with provincial / territorial and municipal (if applicable) officials responsible for infrastructure development to have projects identified as priorities.
  
  View details on the CSIF project selection process.
  
  
• Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF) projects are chosen according to regional and national infrastructure priorities.
  
  View details on the BIF project selection process.
  
  
• Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) application process details can be found on the province- or territory-specific Web sites. MRIF agreements are in place with Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Yukon.

• Infrastructure Canada Program (ICP) project applications are to be made through the joint federal-provincial or federal-territorial delivery agency for each jurisdiction.

Please note that applications for funding under this program are closed, as virtually all funds have been committed.

Infrastructure Canada's Federal Delivery Partner's Web sites can provide more information about the ICP for provinces and territories:

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Canada Economic Development (Quebec)
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and First Nations)
• Industry Canada (Ontario)
• Western Economic Diversification Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba)