Gateways and Border Crossings Fund

Name of transfer payment program: Gateways and Border Crossings Fund

Start date: February 7, 2008

End date: March 31, 2018

Description: 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 to better integrate the national transportation system.

Strategic outcome: An efficient transportation system

Results achieved:

Since the program began, over 50 infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects in nine provinces have been announced under the GBCF. Commitments have included investments in core National Highway System infrastructure, strategic border crossings, as well as major ports and airports. Major infrastructure projects supported by the GBCF include the following: construction of the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway leading to the New Windsor-Detroit International Crossing; construction of Circle Drive Southwest in Saskatoon; plaza improvements at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge; and improvements at the Port of Sept-Îles. These projects are intended to enhance the flow of people and goods between Canada and the rest of the world by improving and integrating Canada's transportation system.

In 2013-14, eight GBCF infrastructure projects were completed, including the rehabilitation of the Saint John Harbour Bridge in New Brunswick and infrastructure improvements at the Port of Montreal. Additionally, construction on more than 20 infrastructure projects continued over the year.

In 2013-14, Transport Canada provided contribution funding to the Logistics and Transportation Metropolitan Cluster of Montreal (CargoM) for a logistics hub seminar in February 2014.

Transport Canada also continued to support a number of GBCF non-infrastructure projects that promote the Atlantic Gateway and Trade Corridor as a transportation system of choice in various international markets. A total of three contribution agreements were signed to support marketing initiatives undertaken by Atlantic Gateway partners, in addition to other events undertaken throughout the year by the department. Examples include Halifax International Airports' participation in Air Cargo Europe 2013 and Air Altitudes East 2013, as well as the Atlantic Canada Airports Association's participation at World Routes 2013. GBCF support of these initiatives helped raise awareness of the Atlantic Gateway as an efficient, reliable and secure transportation solution that connects North America with key global markets.

Program 1.2: Gateways and Corridors; Sub-program 1.2.2: Gateways and Border Crossings Fund

($ millions)
  2011-12 Actual spending 2012-13 Actual spending 2013-14 Planned spending 2013-14 Total authorities 2013-14 Actual spending Variance
Total grants 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Total contributions 100.8 223.2 143.6 163.7 128.8 14.8
Total other types of transfer payments 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Total program 100.8 223.2 143.6 163.7 128.8 14.8

Comments on variance: The reported variance between planned and actual spending for 2013-14 can be attributed to delays in the implementation of projects under the GBCF resulting from a number of circumstances, including challenges in project design, property acquisition difficulties, complex environment approvals and adverse weather conditions. The official extension of the program to March 31, 2018, allowed for forecasts to be updated reflecting project schedules, including that of the single largest GBCF project, the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway.

Audit completed or planned: In 2009, the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund was included in Transport Canada's audit of selected Departmental Economic Action Plan initiatives presented to the Departmental Audit Committee in June 2010. This audit indicated that the Department reasonably and appropriately distributed Economic Action Plan funding to eligible recipients and projects and that suitable monitoring measures were in place.

An internal audit of the GBCF was completed in December 2013. The audit found that overall the management control framework for the GBCF is both effective and efficient. However, the audit did identify some opportunities for improved efficiency. A management action plan to address these recommendations was created and the recommendations are being implemented.

Evaluation completed or planned: An interim evaluation of the GBCF was completed in April 2014. The evaluation found that the GBCF is relevant and that the program is likely to meet its objectives.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The following GBCF applicant engagement initiatives have been undertaken: consultations and meetings with partners and stakeholders, and kiosks at gateway/trade-related conferences. Agreement Management Committees, which include recipient representatives, are responsible for the management and administration of contribution agreements.