Measuring Impact: The Evolution of Federal Housing and Infrastructure Analysis
As the need for local and regional infrastructure grows, the federal government faces heightened pressure to maximize the value and impact of public spending. In this seminar, Negash Haile will explore how economic analysis related to federal housing and infrastructure policy has evolved. He will highlight how data gaps and evidence challenges are navigated in developing forecasting methods, tools, and evaluation frameworks. As part of his presentation, Negash will also examine the approaches used to assess the impact of federal investments on housing affordability, infrastructure development, economic growth, and fiscal sustainability.
Speaker
Negash Haile is the Director of Economics at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC). Working at the intersection of infrastructure, housing, climate, and public investment, he leads HICC’s economic, fiscal, and climate analysis for major infrastructure and housing priorities. His work involves translating data, modelling, and forecasts into clear, decision-ready advice for senior executives and Ministers. Previously, Negash worked at Finance Canada, the Parliamentary Budget Office, and Health Canada, and supported private-sector investments in East Africa. He holds degrees from the University of Calgary, the University of Ottawa, and Sciences Po Toulouse in France.
Discussant
Matti Siemiatycki is the Director of the Infrastructure Institute at the School of Cities, University of Toronto, and Professor in the Department of Geography & Planning. Matti’s work focuses on delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, evidence-based infrastructure investment decisions, and the effective integration of infrastructure into the fabric of cities.