23. LISTING OF STATUTORY AUTHORITIES

Variance Explanations

Statutory Estimates have increased by $21.5M over the level in the 2019-20 Estimates to Date.  

The following are some of the contributing factors:

• An increase of $21.5M in statutory forecasts mostly as a result of:
  • An increase in funding of:
    • $15.2M for the St. Lawrence Seaway Agreement;
    • $4.8M for Contributions to employee benefit plans; and,
    • $1.4M for the Northumberland Strait Crossing Subsidy Agreement.

Contributions to employee benefit plans (EBP):

• All voted items with a salary budget have an accompanying statutory component equal to 27% of the salary budget to account for the cost of employee benefit plan.

Payments in respect of the St. Lawrence Seaway agreements under the Canada Marine Act:

• Under an agreement with the federal government the SLSMC is responsible for managing and operating the Seaway and maintaining, repairing and replacing the Seaway assets under its administration.  As the federal government has retained ownership of these assets, the SLSMC is authorized to charge tolls to finance its activities and to recover from the Government of Canada additional funds to eliminate deficits as required.

Northumberland Strait Crossing Subsidy Payment under the Northumberland Strait Crossing Act:

• The Northumberland Strait Crossing subsidy payments are made to the bridge operator to honor a constitutional obligation to provide a transportation link between Prince Edward Island and the mainland.

Payments to the Canadian National Railway Company in respect of the termination of the collection of tolls on the Victoria Bridge, Montreal and for rehabilitation work on the roadway portion of the Bridge:

• Since 1963, CN has made the roadway facilities on the Victoria Bridge available for public use in return for compensation received from Transport Canada towards the operation, maintenance and repairs of the roadway portion of the bridge and the approaches.

Minister of Transport – Salary and motor car allowance: