Minister Garneau’s appearance before the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) on Main Estimates 2020-21 and Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21 held on November 5, 2020

34. GATEWAYS AND BORDER CROSSINGS FUND

FUNDING FOR THE GATEWAYS AND BORDER CROSSINGS FUND

Requesting $30,647,785 for the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates B

The Gateways and Border Crossings Fund is seeking access to $30,647,785 in contribution funding for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Key Messages:

  • The source of funding is the $2.1 billion provided to Transport Canada by Cabinet decision in June 2007 to implement the Government of Canada’s Gateways and Border Crossings Fund (GBCF) Program.
  • The merit-based program is designed to enhance Canada’s economic competitiveness and productivity. It funds projects and initiatives that support efficient and integrated supply chains and improve the flow of goods between Canada and the rest of the world.
  • The funds support transportation infrastructure and other related initiatives to develop and exploit Canada's strategic gateways, trade corridors and border crossings and to better integrate the national transportation system.
  • Canadians will benefit from enhanced economic competitiveness, improved integration of the national transportation system, and more efficient supply chains.

Variance Explanation

During the 2019-20 fiscal year, a total of $32.6M was lapsed:

  • $31.4M in the 2019-20 Reference Level was lapsed as a result of forecasts for planned and ongoing projects changing due to delays, as is frequently the case for infrastructure projects; and
     
  • $1.2M in the 2019-20 Fiscal Framework was lapsed as these funds were not accessible under the Reference Level.
  • Reprofiling of $30.6M in surplus is being sought through the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates B process in order to cover obligations in 2020-21 for remaining projects.