Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC; ; formerly known as Infrastructure Canada or INFC) is a department of the Government of Canada responsible for the federal public infrastructure policy. Construction and development of infrastructure is primarily the responsibility of provincial/territorial and municipal governments, as such, much of the department's work involves co-financing projects with other levels of government.

The department is responsible to Parliament through the minister of housing, infrastructure and communities.

History

The Office of Infrastructure of Canada (Infrastructure Canada) was created as a federal department in 2002 via an Order in Council issued pursuant to the Financial Administration Act. The department was mandated to enter into funding agreements with Canada's provinces, territories and municipalities for the purpose of supporting strategic infrastructure projects across Canada.

On June 20, 2024, with the passing of Bill C-59, Infrastructure Canada was renamed Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.

Programs

Infrastructure Canada is the lead federal department responsible for infrastructure policy development and program delivery. The department makes investments for both local and regional infrastructure needs. In the first year after its creation, the department invested mostly in water and wastewater plants, highways, culture, recreation, and broadband projects.

During the Great Recession, the department was tasked with implementing the Harper government's economic stimulus package.

Branches and sub-agencies

The Department is made up of seven branches:

  • The Policy and Results Branch
  • The Communities and Infrastructure Programs Branch
  • The Housing and Homelessness Branch
  • The Corporate Services Branch
  • The Audit and Evaluation Branch
  • The Communications Branch
  • The Investment, Partnerships and Innovation Branch

Some of the sub-agencies of the Department include:

  • Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
  • Waterfront Toronto
  • Build Canada Homes
  • Jacques Cartier Bridges Incorporated
  • PPP Canada (from 2009 to 2018)

References

Notes