Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canada Infrastructure Bank?
We are a Crown corporation that uses federal support to attract private sector and institutional investment to new revenue-generating infrastructure projects in, or partly within, Canada that are in the public interest. We were established in June 2017.
What does the Canada Infrastructure Bank do?
We will strategically invest up to $35 billion in infrastructure projects over the next decade, and will draw in additional private-sector capital. We aim to facilitate investment partnerships between willing private and public-sector partners.
Our mandate includes several functions.
What kinds of projects will be considered?
Infrastructure projects are typically large, complex and long-term in nature. The legislation that established Canada Infrastructure Bank states that the projects we support must be revenue-generating and in the public interest. Our investments will align with the Government of Canada’s high-level priorities: public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation.
Why does Canada need a new model for infrastructure investing?
Across the country, new infrastructure is needed to facilitate transportation, economic and social development. By attracting private-sector and institutional capital to invest in revenue-generating projects alongside federal funding, we aim to help build new infrastructure that might not otherwise get built, increasing assets and services for Canadians.
Why would governments and private-sector investors consider working with the Canada Infrastructure Bank?
For municipal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments, and their agencies, we offer another option for building new infrastructure projects. It’s important to note that Canada Infrastructure Bank does not replace traditional sources of funding for infrastructure – we are a new option.
For potential private-sector investors, Canada Infrastructure Bank opens the door to a wider array of Canadian infrastructure investment opportunities than they have had before.
What is the difference between Canada Infrastructure Bank model and public-private partnerships (P3s)?
Successful P3s have shown that private investors bring innovation in the planning and design of a project and discipline in budgeting, scheduling and delivering an asset.
We expect that private-sector investors will go one step further in projects supported by Canada Infrastructure Bank, and assume additional risks relating to infrastructure usage or revenue.
What is the process for submitting a project to Canada Infrastructure Bank for consideration?
Provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous governments and government agencies, as well as the private sector, can propose potential projects for investment consideration.
We expect some projects will come to us for consideration through traditional channels for infrastructure projects. We are developing an intake process for unsolicited proposals.
What are the criteria for a supported project?
To begin with, a project must be in the public interest, able to generate revenue, and within the Canadian government’s priority areas of public transit, green infrastructure and trade and transportation. We will then evaluate a project based on specific economic and investment criteria, which are under development.
How are decisions made about supported projects?
Projects that meet our preliminary criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis. After conducting due diligence, we will determine whether a specific investment in a project is suitable. Investment recommendations will be made by management to our independent board of directors for approval.
How can Canada Infrastructure Bank invest in projects?
We have a wide range of financial instruments at our disposal, including debt and equity. Infrastructure projects are very long term, and each is unique and complex, so the specific financial instruments used will depend on what makes the most sense for any given project.
What other roles does Canada Infrastructure Bank have?
Canada Infrastructure Bank is mandated to act as a centre of expertise to governments on revenue-generating projects, and to gather comprehensive data about infrastructure projects in Canada. These efforts will help to improve decision-making about infrastructure investments.
How is Canada Infrastructure Bank governed?
We have a professional, independent board of directors that oversees management. Independence is important, given Canada Infrastructure Bank’s mandate to execute commercial transactions.
As a Crown corporation, the Government of Canada sets our overall policy direction and high-level investment priorities.
How is Canada Infrastructure Bank accountable?
Although we operate at arm’s length from government, Canada Infrastructure Bank is accountable to Canadians through the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. The Government of Canada approves our corporate plan each year. A summary of the plan, as well as our annual report, will be tabled in Parliament.
In addition, the Auditor General of Canada and an independent private-sector auditor are joint auditors of Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Where can I find out more?
This website is updated regularly with news and information about our progress and activities.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank Act, the legislation that established the Bank, was part of Bill C-44, Budget Implementation Act, 2017, which received Royal Assent on June 22, 2017. The full text of The Canada Infrastructure Bank Act is available on the Government of Canada’s Justice Laws Website.
