Transport Canada, Infrastructure Canada, the Canadian Transportation Agency, the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada, and 16 Crown Corporations are part of a larger Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TIC) portfolio. Together, they contribute to rural and urban infrastructure, and make sure that our roads, bridges, railroads, ports and airports are well-placed, well-built, well-kept, safe and secure. Their work supports the economy, the environment and the health of Canada's communities.

Working together makes sense because these institutions work on many of the same issues and problems affecting Canadians and their communities across the country. Why is working together so important? It saves time and money. Best of all, it helps decision makers see the big picture: how a decision in one area can affect other areas.

For example, when funding new highways or public transit, decision makers think about how this infrastructure will affect the cities and towns they run near or through. They answer questions like:

• Will industry move here and create jobs since shipping and local travel is efficient?
• How can we create less pollution when we move more goods and people through the area?

TIC portfolio organizations work with all levels of government. While the Government of Canada makes and enforces laws, sets national rules about safety and security, lays out infrastructure policies, and makes investments in community projects, it respects the fact that provinces, territories, cities and towns all have their own areas of responsibility. This is how the principles of open federalism and fiscal balance work.

The portfolio’s combined knowledge, research and experience make TIC an example of leading-edge public policy and good decision-making.