Minister McKenna Announces National Infrastructure Assessment Consultation

Yesterday, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna launched an engagement paper on Canada’s first National Infrastructure Assessment:  “Building the Canada We Want in 2050.”

The paper sets out the purpose and benefits of undertaking a National Infrastructure Assessment and seeks input from the public, Indigenous Peoples, provinces, territories, municipalities, and stakeholders on three main priorities of the assessment. The priorities and sub-themes noted in the paper are as follows:

• Assessing Canada’s infrastructure needs and establishing a long-term vision
• Powering our economy for clean energy systems and net-zero structures
• Getting people and goods around faster, cheaper and cleaner
• Staying connected in a digital society
• Improving social spaces and services
• Investing in our natural environment
• Improving coordination among infrastructure owners and funders
• Government rules and programs
• Workforce and skills training
• Quality, architecture and barrier-free design
• Data and technology
• Determining the best ways to fund and finance infrastructure

Overall, the National Infrastructure Assessment is intended to help identify Canada’s evolving needs and priorities in the built environment and undertake evidence-based long-term planning toward a net-zero emissions future.

The Government of Canada has requested feedback by June 30, 2021. Following the engagement process, the Government will consider the next steps for the National Infrastructure Assessment, including reviewing priorities, establishing an independent advisory body, setting out the processes for obtaining expert advice, ongoing public engagement and producing interim studies and reports to inform infrastructure policy and investment.

Sussex is here to help ensure that your perspectives and priorities are understood and considered by the Government of Canada during the consultation period and are reflected in Canada’s National Infrastructure Assessment.

If you have questions, please reach out to the Sussex Federal GR Team.