The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) provided a Position Paper and a series of administrative recommendations as input on Federal Funding Programs for Municipal Infrastructure.
The Association’s formal position paper was presented to Kelly Gillis, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure & Communities on January 28th, 2022 by Jack Benzaquen, President of CAMA and the City Manager for the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC; Vincent Lalonde, CAMA Board Representative for British Columbia and City Manager for the City of Surrey, BC; and Mike Dolter, CAMA Board Representative for Nova Scotia & PEI and Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Truro, NS.
“As the Federal Government considers new infrastructure funding opportunities, it is important for CAMA to provide input on programs moving forward.” said Mr. Benzaquen. “We were pleased to be able to deliver feedback from our members into Federal grant programs.”
CAMA presented eighteen priorities, which were identified by the Association’s members as having a high importance from an administrative standpoint. These priorities included such things as providing clear names and criteria for programs, involving municipalities in the development and design, no extraneous application criteria, the removal of “stacking” provisions, improved cash flows, flexibility, and long-term funding for some projects – just to name a few.
The following recommendations were also made by the Association:
- The Federal Gas Tax Program is a positive model, and its attributes should be used in all Federal Funding Programs directed at municipalities.
- An extension of the current Federal Gas Tax Program would be welcomed by communities.
- A new funding stream should be created dedicated to small municipalities.
- Working closely with the National and Provincial/Territorial Administrator Associations to determine funding priorities for Federal Funding Programs would be advantageous.
- More clarity needs to be provided around Federal Funding approval timelines.
“As an Association, CAMA strives to promote excellence in municipal administration in order to enhance the quality of municipal government and the services provided to Canadians,” said Mr. Benzaquen. “By working with Infrastructure Canada, we are coming a step closer to addressing the important infrastructure issues facing municipalities today.”
In order to ensure that the position paper appropriately represented the opinions of its membership, CAMA formed a Subcommittee to oversee the development of the paper and a survey was conducted with members.
For more information about CAMA and the Association’s position paper on Canada’s Federal Funding Programs for Municipal Infrastructure, please visit CAMA’s website.
Media Contact: Jennifer Goodine, CAMA Executive Director, 506-460-2135, admin@camacam.ca