Ottawa Report – October 7, 2024

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The next edition of the Ottawa Report is scheduled to be sent Monday, October 21.

Latest News

CPWA Participates in the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network Consultation

The CPWA has submitted recommendations highlighting the vital involvement of public works professionals. Drawing on experiences in both Canada and the United States, where a PSBN is already operational, the submission emphasized the need for a seat at the governance table to ensure the successful deployment and operation of the network. It stressed that public works professionals, responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure and lifeline services, must have input in PSBN governance, especially in emergency response scenarios.

To ensure financial sustainability, CPWA recommended securing funding from multiple federal departments such as Infrastructure Canada, Emergency Preparedness, and Indigenous Services, and proposes offering tiered pricing to accommodate communities of all sizes. This would encourage wider participation from public safety agencies while leveraging private sector partnerships to accelerate implementation and address network redundancy concerns.

CPWA also called for attention to network coverage, particularly in remote and rural areas like the prairies and northern regions, where limited cell and internet service pose challenges. Expanding cell coverage and ensuring the network can function across various devices and technologies are seen as critical steps to maximize adoption and maintain system resilience in these areas.

The submission drew inspiration from the US FirstNet model, recommending the establishment of a Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) to provide ongoing guidance and expertise on PSBN deployment. This committee would offer subject matter expertise on public safety needs, operational capabilities, and technical requirements, ensuring that all first responders, including public works, are well-integrated into the system. In addition, the submission suggested forming regional advisory committees to address local challenges such as disaster response times and operational requirements unique to each area.

Lastly, the CPWA stressed the importance of transparency and accountability within the PSBN governance structure. The submission proposed that the network be managed by a Crown Corporation, which would ensure operational consistency and independence from political influence. This “arms-length” approach would allow the PSBN to focus on long-term stability while adhering to transparency measures outlined in the Financial Administration Act.

Parliamentary Business

Update on Bill C-61

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs is continuing its study on Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act. The committee held its 8th meeting on the bill on October 3, with witnesses from several First Nations and a representative in the energy sector from a policy research institute.

Federal Funding Awarded

$3 Million Federal Investment for a New Community Service Hub

Through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, the federal government announced on October 3, an investment of $3,106,022 to the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society in British Columbia. This investment will build a new fully net-zero community service hub to fill a critical social infrastructure gap. In addition, the Sunshine Coast Community Services is contributing $2,367,147.

Canada Community-Building Fund Transfer Payment of more than $16 Million

Following a recently renewed Canada Community-Building Fund agreement between the federal government and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the federal government announced a transfer of more than $16 million to Newfoundland and Labrador under the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) for the first payment of the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The amount is the first of two payments for this fiscal year and the next payment is expected to be made before the end of this fiscal year. Over the next five years, the province is expected to receive more than $168.7 million from the fund.

Renewal of the Canada Community-Building Fund announced

Announced on September 26, the governments of Canada and the Yukon have signed a new 10-year agreement for the Canada Community-Building Fund to invest in critical infrastructure projects across the territory.

Over the first five years, Yukon will receive $94.5 million, which will total more than $200 million over the next ten years to address local infrastructure priorities.

Public Transport Upgrades in Nova Scotia

Two counties in Nova Scotia received a joint investment of more than $270,000 from the federal and provincial governments. The Trans County Transportation Society is using the investment to add three accessible vehicles to their fleet.

The federal government is investing $222,010 in this project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and the provincial government is contributing up to $55,503.

Fibre Internet Infrastructure Updates

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) released an update in the progress of the Broadband Fund, which improves internet connectivity in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada.

The CRTC reports that, up to the release of their updates, the fund has improved high-speed internet and cellphone service in 270 communities, connecting essential institutions such as schools and health care and community centres.

Through its Broadband Fund, the CRTC is committing more than $8 million to Westman Communications Group to build approximately 310 kilometres of transport fibre infrastructure. The projects will improve access to reliable and high-quality Internet service.

$4.4 Million Transportation Infrastructure Investment

Rural communities across Saskatchewan are receiving federal investment of more than $4.4 million in transportation infrastructure projects. The federal government highlighted that the Cowessess First Nation will buy electric vehicles and set up charging stations, and the Sturgeon Lake First Nation will build a pedestrian bridge that connects the community with nearby resources and services.

The federal government is investing $4,480,416 in these projects through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) and the Active Transportation Fund (ATF). Recipients are contributing $188,110 to their respective projects.