It is clear that the Government of Ontario has recognized the significant infrastructure investment deficit currently facing the Province and the need for new approaches to financing, developing and managing infrastructure projects. While it is a widely held belief that the provincial and municipal governments are in a crisis when it comes to infrastructure development, the evidence from individual sectors and jurisdictions is still somewhat anecdotal.
A comprehensive inventory of current and future infrastructure needs will go a long way in helping the Province define the problem and establish strategic priorities. Professional, industry and government associations (e.g. Canadian Water and Wastewater Association, Canadian Society of Civil Engineering, Association of Municipalities of Ontario) are the most logical partners with the Province to compile such an inventory. The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships itself has already published two sets of case studies (see enclosed for 2001 edition) from across the country on successful P3 projects and is currently working on a similar publication devoted to the municipal sector. A third set of case studies documents findings internationally in the healthcare sector.
It is also critical that a common methodology be developed for dealing with government debt. While accounting standards related to the treatment of capital assets are improving, the issue of "off-book" versus "on-book" debt needs to be resolved, especially among government auditors, before alternative financing models can be appropriately evaluated.