Canada’s economic recovery powered by infrastructure By Mary Van Buren, president, Canadian Construction Association
The world in 2021 looks very different from what many of
jobs, enhance communities, and ensure stability in the
us could have imagined just over 14 months ago. COVID-19
Canadian economy over the years to come. Part of the
has highlighted our resiliency as an industry. Companies
plan must include the swift rollout of existing funds from
and their employees adapted quickly to new ways of
the Investing in Canada Plan and greater flexibility in
working and continued to deliver the essential services
how funds are allocated to meet specific provincial and
that Canadians rely on every day. This is a point of pride
municipal needs.
we all share as we forge ahead, focused on economic recovery.
With improved coordination, communication, and transparency between all levels of government,
We are advocating that part of the federal government’s
infrastructure investments can be delivered more
strategy to accelerate economic recovery across Canada
efficiently, speeding up the start of projects and getting
must include infrastructure investment supported by
people back to work.
training. While billions of dollars have already been
The recent announcement of Canada’s first-ever
earmarked through the Investing in Canada Plan, these
National Infrastructure Assessment is a step in the right
funds are sitting in limbo between layers of government.
direction. While the federal government has shown
These billions, while necessary, are not sufficient to
leadership in reimbursing for COVID-19 costs on federal
address the serious deficit of our aging infrastructure, as
projects, provincial and municipal governments should
we have outlined in the Canadian Infrastructure Report
follow. Maintaining a free-flowing system of trade and
Card.
labour mobility between provinces has never been
The funding must also be better planned, ensuring that municipalities, provinces, and the federal government are lined up, and that project tenders and the related new build, maintenance, or retrofit flow smoothly. Canada needs year-over-year consistency and a longer-term strategy to promote economic stability and boost employment, so a 12-year plan is not enough. Infrastructure operates on a 25-year cycle, which is why the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has been
more important, both within Canada and externally. Interprovincial trade barriers and “buy-local policies” run counter to the principles of free trade and fair procurement. Protectionism is never the right solution. Now is the time for provinces and industries across Canada to work together in our pandemic economic recovery efforts. The benefits of free trade are well known. Removing trade barriers reduces the cost of doing business, which will increase investment and jobs.
calling on the federal government to commit to a 25-
Academic studies suggest that for every dollar spent
year plan for infrastructure investment in Canada with
on infrastructure there is a three-dollar return on
prescribed annual commitment levels.
investment.
A clear, fair, balanced, and flexible program will create
As Canada looks to revitalize its economy in the wake
18 Fort McMurray Construction Association
