Canada’s Transportation Infrastructure Challenge: Strengthening the Foundations

Stakeholders in Canada’s transportation system believe that improvements must be made in both the governance and funding of transportation infrastructure to ensure that the nation’s 21st century needs and expectations are met. Canada’s Transportation Infrastructure Challenge: Strengthening the Foundations discusses the changes necessary and offers options for new directions.

Document Highlights

Canada’s Transportation Infrastructure Challenge: Strengthening the Foundations was carried out under the guidance of a diverse group of transportation stakeholders. Using an interview methodology and two proprietary tools for the evaluation of policy decisions and governance characteristics, researchers reviewed existing transportation systems in various countries, focusing on models in Canada and New Zealand. Results indicate that while many funding instruments and governance arrangements are utilized in transportation systems worldwide, none represent a panacea for improved system renewal and extension. Several funding instruments stand out because of their potential economic benefits although they would be difficult to implement in the current Canadian context. Other instruments are decidedly easier to implement although their overall economic contribution is smaller. As well, the report develops two governance models designed to improve investment decision-making in Canada; the Metropolitan Land Transportation Agency and the Provincial Land Transportation Agency.