441-01786 (Transportation)

Canada’s public transit systems provide an essential service to millions of people, generating billions of dollars in economic benefits, and helping Canadians meet its climate targets. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has made the most significant public transit investments in Canada’s history, delivering federal investments of more than ten times of what was provided in the decade prior.

The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is one way the Government of Canada is delivering funding to communities through the Investing in Canada Plan. Under the program, over $33-billion in funding is being delivered through bilateral agreements between Infrastructure Canada and each of the provinces and territories. The program provides long-term, stable funding delivered by Infrastructure Canada to: help communities reduce air and water pollution, provide clean water, increase resilience to climate change; build strong, dynamic and inclusive communities; and ensure Canadian families have access to modern, reliable services that improve their quality of life. 

Building on the Investing in Canada Plan, in 2021, the Government introduced the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Active Transportation Fund, and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund. These dedicated transit programs, which will deliver funding until 2025-2026, aim to accelerate the shift towards clean, sustainable transportation modes across the country and facilitated federal funding for key public transit projects.

In addition to our ongoing investments, the Government of Canada concluded engagement on the federal vision for permanent public transit funding in October 2022. The consultation will set out how we can work together to make the most out of the creation of the first national permanent public transit fund which will provide an average of $3 billion per year, beginning in 2026-27. This ongoing funding will deliver stability required for long-term planning and collaboration across orders of government while allowing flexibility to address regional needs and considerations. 

Permanent federal funding for public transit and active transportation presents an opportunity to work with provinces, territories, municipalities, transit agencies, Indigenous peoples and other partners to align investment priorities and address shared objectives, including driving economic, environmental and social outcomes, and improving housing supply and affordability in communities of all sizes across Canada.