Details on Transfer Payment Programs

Airports Capital Assistance Program (Voted)

April 1, 1995

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2010–11

An efficient transportation system

Program 1.3: Transportation Infrastructure

Sub-program 1.3.1: Airport Infrastructure

Sub-Sub-program 1.3.1.3: Small Aerodrome Support

The Airports Capital Assistance Program assists eligible applicants in financing safety-related capital projects, to ensure the continued safety of the Canadian travelling public.

Eligible airports with approved safety-related capital infrastructure projects received funding. Fifteen new projects were funded at fourteen different airports. Five of the fifteen projects were airfield lighting rehabilitation work and there were also two new firefighting vehicles and associated sheds purchased.

The shorter than expected construction season, due to the weather in some regions of the country, impacted the successful completion of a few projects. As a result, these projects have carried over expenses to future years. In addition, one large project was temporarily halted due to an unexpected provincial government contracting freeze.

No audit was completed during the reporting period.

No evaluation was completed during the reporting period.

Information about this Program is posted on our website. An information brochure for applicants is sent to all eligible airports. Applicants were involved in the redesign of the application process for mobile equipment rolled out during the reporting period. Meetings are held at least annually to solicit input from applicants on program structure.

Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund (Voted)

October 20, 2006

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016-17

An efficient transportation system

Program 1.2: Gateways and Corridors

Sub-program 1.2.1: Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative

The primary objective of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund is to address capacity challenges facing Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor transportation system. The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund provides funding for strategic infrastructure projects in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba that:

• Improve the competitiveness, efficiency and capacity of Canada’s multimodal transportation network; and
• Are focussed on increasing international commerce with the Asia-Pacific region.

Our efforts in 2016-17 centred around:

• Working with recipients to resolve challenges that were delaying the successful completion of long-standing projects; and
• Delivering the nine new projects selected in 2015 during that year’s open call for proposals under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund.

While the contribution agreements for the nine new projects selected in 2015 were signed in late 2015 and early 2016, over $1.5 million was invested to advance these projects during the 2016-17 fiscal year, representing approximately 10% of the funding committed.

The variance between the planned spending and the actual spending for 2016-17 under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative resulted from surpluses declared on two projects and numerous construction delays.

No audit was completed during the reporting period.

A program evaluation was completed in January 2017.

Our activities to engage applicants and recipients included:

• Dialogue and ongoing relationships, consistent with the related contribution agreements;
• Requirements for regular progress reports;
• Site visits to project sites;
• Management Committee meetings and other regular meetings (in-person and by telephone);
• Communications activities and initiatives to market programs;
• Environmental assessments;
• Indigenous consultations; and
• Project evaluation and reporting.

Ferry Services Contribution Program (Voted)

2011-12

March 31, 2018

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016-17

An efficient transportation system

Program 1.3: Transportation Infrastructure

Sub-program 1.3.2: Marine Infrastructure

Sub-sub-program 1.3.2.3: Ferry Services Stewardship and Support

The Ferry Services Contribution Program provides financial assistance to maintain three inter-provincial ferry services in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec. More specifically, the contributions are for the following services:

• Across the Northumberland Strait between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou, Nova Scotia operated by Northumberland Ferries Ltd.;
• Between Cap-aux-Meules, Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec and Souris, Prince Edward Island operated by CTMA Traversier Ltée; and
• Between Saint John, New Brunswick and Digby, Nova Scotia operated by Bay Ferries Ltd..

The program is aligned with the priorities of the Government of Canada.

An amount of $19 million was received through Supplementary Estimates in 2016-17 for the Program. An additional $4.8 million was subsequently required due to significant unexpected repairs to the ferry vessel MV Holiday Island, as well as higher than expected costs for maintenance and repairs for other vessels.

No audit was completed during the reporting period.

No evaluation was completed during the reporting period.

We achieve this by:

• Discussing and providing contribution agreements, leases and charter party agreements;
• Annually reviewing and negotiating the performance objectives and budget required to deliver the ferry services as per the terms of the agreements;
• Informing recipients of service standards and reporting requirements based on the risk profile of each recipient;
• Maintaining an ongoing dialogue to assess change and progress through monthly conference calls with each recipient;
• Following up as required on project activities, funding requirements and reporting requirements; and
• Notifying applicants and recipients of the requirement to audit and inform of audit findings.

Gateways and Border Crossings Fund (Voted)

February 7, 2008

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2015-16

An efficient transportation system

Program 1.2: Gateways and Corridors

Sub-program 1.2.2: Gateways and Border Crossings Fund

The Gateways and Border Crossings Fund (GBCF) is a merit-based program that funds transportation infrastructure and other related initiatives to:

• Develop and exploit Canada's strategic gateways, trade corridors and border crossings; and
• Better integrate the national transportation system.

As the program is sunsetting, only one contribution agreement was signed in 2016-17. Five infrastructure projects are expected to be completed in 2017-18 and only two remaining marketing initiatives under the Atlantic Gateway International Marketing Initiative, a component of the GBCF, will remain active in 2017-18.

Some delays occurred with GBCF projects due to unforeseen situations such as heavy snowfall or late delivery of material, delaying construction activities.

No audit was completed during the reporting period.

A program evaluation was completed January 2017.

There are committees that are responsible for engaging with, managing and administering contribution agreements between Transport Canada and GBCF recipients.

Rail Safety Improvement Program (Voted)

June 16, 2016

Ongoing

Grant and Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016-2017

A safe and secure transportation system

Program 3.3: Rail Safety

Sub-program 3.3.3: Rail Safety Awareness and Grade Crossing Improvement

The Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) provides grant and contribution funding to improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities related to rail transportation. The new RSIP Program includes our Grade Crossing Improvement, Grade Crossing Closure and Operation Lifesaver Programs, which were formerly their own respective programs.

The Program funds:

• Safety improvements to existing rail lines;
• Closures of grade crossings; and
• Initiatives to raise awareness about rail safety issues across Canada.

The RSIP consists of two key components:

• Infrastructure, Technology and Research; and
• Public Education and Awareness.

In 2016-17, 368 of the 396 approved projects were completed.

The $2.61 million variance is due to:

• Lower than anticipated costs for some projects;
• Project delays due to complications or weather conditions; and
• Delays in signing agreements.

In total, 28 projects were not completed due to these delays.

Not Applicable – New Program

Not Applicable – New Program

These include:

• Quarterly conference calls with key recipients;
• Information posted to our website; and
• RSIP outreach activities, including:
  • Community outreach through electronic communications;
  • Social media; and
  • Targeted presentations (i.e., the Railway Association of Canada).

Grants and Contributions to Support Clean Transportation Initiatives (Voted)

2011–12

Ongoing

Grants and Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2011–12

A clean transportation system

Program 2.1: Clean Air from Transportation

Sub-program 2.1.2: Clean Air Initiatives

The purpose of the transfer payment program is to provide federal funding for projects that reduce air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Funding is provided under three program components, namely the:

• Clean Rail Academic Grant Program;
• Clean Transportation Initiative on Port-Related Trucking; and
• Shore Power Technology for Ports Program.

The three components of this initiative achieved the following in 2016-17:

Clean Rail Academic Grant Program: Clean transportation technologies (e.g., alternative fuels, lighter materials) are developed by the academic community. We were able to accelerate the development of clean technologies for the rail industry, which will enable the rail industry to better comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Clean Transportation Initiative on Port-Related Trucking: We worked with the:

• Montreal Port Authority to complete the installation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology project to improve truck traffic flow; and
• Port of Vancouver to continue their project to integrate existing reservation systems to better measure truck transit times. This project will be completed in 2017-18.

These projects will result in:

• Improved fuel consumption;
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions;
• More efficient coordination and scheduling of trucking movements; and
• Reduced truck congestion at each respective port.

Shore Power Technology for Ports Program: We were able to:

• Complete four shore power technology projects;
• Commence construction of three additional projects, including the installation of shore power systems at:
  • The Port of Vancouver for container ships at two terminals (Centerm and Deltaport); and

The Port of Montreal for cruise ship dockings.

Clean Rail Academic Grant Program: Not applicable

Clean Transportation Initiative on Port-Related Trucking: Operational delays associated with their project to integrate existing reservation systems at the Port of Vancouver required a project extension to 2017-18.

Shore Power Technology for Ports Program: Three projects were amended in 2016-17 to allow for an extension to completion dates. One project received a $1 million budget increase due to unforeseen structural geotechnical issues requiring design modifications that contributed to delays in construction.

Clean Rail Academic Grant Program: No audit was completed during the reporting period

Clean Transportation Initiative on Port-Related Trucking: No audit was completed during the reporting period

Shore Power Technology for Ports Program: No audit was completed during the reporting period

Clean Rail Academic Grant Program: Not applicable

Clean Transportation Initiative on Port-Related Trucking: No evaluation was completed during the reporting period.

Shore Power Technology for Ports Program: No evaluation was completed during the reporting period.

We:

• Held formal consultation sessions across Canada and meetings with port authorities, terminal operators, trucking operators, industry associations, other supply chain participants and the provinces;
• Provided on our website:
  • Online application forms;
  • Guidance materials; and
  • Program service standards;
• Held ongoing outreach and engagement activities with industry and the provinces to explain program objectives and eligibility requirements; and
• Attended committee meetings to provide program updates and monitor program recipient activities.

Grant to the Province of British Columbia in respect of the provision of ferry and coastal freight and passenger services

April 18, 1977

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

November 28, 2005

An efficient transportation system

Program 1.3: Transportation Infrastructure

Sub-program 1.3.2: Marine Infrastructure

Sub-sub-program 1.3.2.3: Ferry Services Stewardship Support

The grant to the Province of British Columbia gives financial assistance to provide ferry services in the waters of the province as part of a federal obligation to provide transportation links to the national transportation system from various regions and isolated areas of British Columbia.

The grant is efficiently managed and is supportive of departmental outcomes (i.e., an efficient transportation system).

The grant is indexed annually to the rate of inflation for the City of Vancouver. Therefore, the variance is a result of the fluctuation in the rate of inflation between the forecast and actual payment required for 2016-17.

No audit was completed during the reporting period.

An evaluation was undertaken during the reporting period.

Not applicable

Northumberland Strait Crossing subsidy payment under the Northumberland Strait Crossing Act (Statutory)

May 31, 1997

April 1, 2032

Contribution

Northumberland Strait Crossing Subsidy Payment under the Northumberland Strait Crossing Act (S.C., 1993, c. 43)

The terms and conditions have not been reviewed since the commencement of the Program, as there is a contractual agreement between the Government of Canada and Strait Crossing Development Inc.

An efficient transportation system

Program 1.3: Transportation Infrastructure

Sub-program 1.3.3: Surface and Multimodal Infrastructure

Sub-sub-program 1.3.3.3: Highway and Other Transportation – Infrastructure Support

The Northumberland Strait Crossing receives annual payments from the Government of Canada to fund the management, operation and maintenance of the bridge connecting Prince Edward Island and mainland Canada.

Federal funding was provided for continuous and efficient year-round transportation of people and goods between Prince Edward Island and the mainland to support an efficient, integrated and accessible transportation system.

No variances

No audit was completed during the reporting period, given the contractual agreement between the Government of Canada and Strait Crossing Inc.

No evaluation was completed during the reporting period, given the contractual agreement between the Government of Canada and Strait Crossing Inc.

Not applicable

Ports Asset Transfer Program (Voted)

2014

March 31, 2020

Grants and Contributions

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017-18

An efficient transportation system

Program 1.3: Transportation Infrastructure

Sub-program 1.3.2: Marine Infrastructure

Sub-sub-program 1.3.2.4: Port Operations

The Ports Asset Transfer Program was developed to facilitate the transfer of the remaining Transport Canada administered port facilities. Ports can be acquired through sales or divestiture of the facility. Divestitures can include grant or contribution funding for acquiring parties. There are currently 47 ports remaining in Transport Canada’s inventory.

Two ports were transferred in 2016-17 (Cornwall, Ontario; Liverpool, Nova Scotia) and one was demolished (Vieux-Fort, Quebec); work is ongoing to facilitate future transfers.

$6.4 million was received through Supplementary Estimates for the Program. Less pre-transfer funding was required than anticipated resulting in a $1 million surplus.

No audit was completed during the reporting period.

An evaluation is planned for 2018-19.

As part of the engagement phase, we:

• Sent letters and/or held meetings with federal, provincial and municipal counterparts, Indigenous groups and other interested parties;
• Issued news releases and public notices; and
• Posted information on our website.

Engagement with stakeholders is ongoing throughout the Program’s life cycle, with a particular emphasis on keeping Indigenous groups informed regarding the status of ports near Indigenous communities.

Regional officials work closely with interested parties to:

• Explain how the Program works; and
• Engage with applicants to ensure their understanding of the terms and conditions of a port transfer agreement.

Ocean Network Canada – Smart Oceans Contribution Program (Voted)

July 31, 2014

March 31, 2017

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2014–15

A clean transportation system

Program 2.2: Clean Water from Transportation

Sub-program 2.2.1:  Clean Water Regulatory Framework

The Program supports the recipient's activities to operate its network of infrastructure in order to deliver data and data products for a wide-range of stakeholders for the purposes of:

• Marine safety;
• Environmental monitoring and protection; and
• Public safety.

We contributed funding to Ocean Networks Canada’s (ONC’s) Smart Oceans initiative, which enabled them to:

• Select sites for installation of data collection equipment to expand their observation network;
• Initiate processes to define which marine safety products would be developed; and
• Engage stakeholders and responders who could benefit from their increased data collection and production capacity. 

This project ended on March 31, 2017. The draft final report is currently under review.

Some highlights of the Program’s achievements included the:

• Coastal radars, which are oceanographic radars that measure the speed and direction of ocean surface currents, and automatic identification systems (AIS), which tracks large vessels in the British Columbia (BC) region, were installed in 5 high traffic locations along BC’s coastline;
• Installation and commission of ocean observatories at three locations in BC (Prince Rupert, Campbell River and Kitamaat Village);
• Completion of Marine Safety Data Products, which include Earthquake Early Warning, Tsunami Detection Notification, Tsunami Impact Modelling and Marine Incident Response. These products can be obtained on ONC’s website through a software application (App), which can be directly used by marine transportation infrastructure operators to build operational resilience and aid with coastguard, emergency responders, etc.;
• Production of:
  • Two eBooks: "Ocean Data in Practice”, which focusses on how ONC data is collected, and "Exploring the Salish Sea”, which centres around coastal marine ecosystems in the Strait of Georgia; and
  • Three videos ("Coastal Communities and Ocean Health”, "Oceanographic Radars and Ocean Safety" and "Marine Traffic and Ocean Safety”); and
• Completion of an ocean health indices data product through an "Ocean Report Card” (Saanich Inlet) and through "State of the Ocean Plots”. 

N/A

An audit was completed March 29, 2016.

No evaluation was completed during the reporting period.

There were regular Agreement Monitoring Committee (AMC) meetings with Transport Canada to provide updates and monitor activities, engage with senior officials and demonstrate completed products.

Remote Passenger Rail Program^{Footnote 3} (Voted)

May 20, 2004

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2013–14

An efficient transportation system

Program 1.3: Transportation Infrastructure

Sub-program 1.3.3: Surface and Multimodal Infrastructure

Sub-sub-program 1.3.3.1: Rail Passenger Stewardship and Support program

This Program provides funding to ensure that safe, reliable, viable and sustainable passenger rail services are provided to areas of the country where rail service is the only type of surface transportation available to access certain remote communities. Funding for both operating and capital projects is provided.

Funding for capital projects for ongoing railway rehabilitation and equipment purchases was provided to Keewatin Railway Company and Tshiuetin Transportation Inc. to ensure their passenger rail lines remained safe and reliable.

Funding was also provided to Tshiuetin Transportation Inc. for operating expenditures related to their passenger rail service.

Capital expenditures under Tshiuetin Transportations Inc. were less than expected due to construction delays.

Tshiuetin rail transportation Inc. was audited. The audit was completed in May 2017.

No evaluation was completed during the reporting period but an evaluation is planned for fiscal year 2017-18.

Activities to engage applicants and recipients include:

• Dialogue and ongoing relationships, consistent with the related contribution agreements and requirements for regular progress reports;
• Site visits;
• Management Committee and regular meetings (in-person and by telephone);
• Communications activities and initiatives to market programs
• Environmental assessment and Indigenous consultations; and
• Project evaluation and reporting.