Some information regarding the Federal Government's Investing in Canada Program was released in late June.
While the full guidelines of the Program are not yet released, RMA held a webinar on June 27th and provided some information on the Program, which if accurate, would preclude the County from making an application in 2018.
Communications with the Federal Government indicate that any application from an Albertan municipality requires that 33.3% of the project is funded through provincial government grants. It is also unclear at this time if the Federal Government would accept Municipal Sustainability Funding (MSI) to reach the 33.3% threshold. Early indications are that the Federal Government will not accept MSI for the purpose of applying to the Investing in Canada Program
At this time, many of the County's possible projects do not have corresponding provincial government grants that can be obtained to meet the Federal Government's 33.3% threshold. For example, there are currently no provincial grants for recreational facilities. Thus, it is unclear how many Albertan municipalities will be able to apply for the Investing in Canada Program for projects related to recreation, waste management, broadband internet, and other project areas eligible for Investing in Canada funding.
At this time, it is unclear why the Government of Alberta structured their Bilateral Agreement with the Government of Canada in this way. The Investing in Canada Program is being facilitated through the Ministry of Infrastructure.
RMA is currently drafting a letter to be sent to various ministers in the Government of Alberta.