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What does the 2021 federal election mean for the mechanical trades? Infrastructure and housing, key topics for 2021 federal election By Leah Den Hartogh anadians are heading to the election polls on Sept. 20 for the first federal election since before the pandemic. The snap election was called more than two years ahead of schedule by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The last snap election was called in 2008 by then Conservative prime minister, Stephen Harper. Currently, the Liberals hold a minority government. Several of the political parties have since released their platforms with just under a month to go before voting. There are several points to note relating back to the skilled trades. Two key subjects up for debate in this year’s election campaign is housing and infrastructure. “We have a dire shortage of housing across the country which threatens to derail our economic recovery if the problem is not addressed immediately,” said Richard Lyall, president of Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON). “I am glad the issue is on the radar of party leaders, and that they are now paying attention to this critical issue. The ongoing supply crisis is crippling younger families. We cannot grow the economy or build back better, if we can’t build according
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Plumbing & HVAC – September 2021
to our demographic needs. Excessive costs imposed on developers and systemic red tape that delays construction of new housing developments must be eliminated.” “On the topic of infrastructure investment, we would like to see impediments removed on that spending to help projects move forward at all levels across the country,” remarks Ken Lancastle, COO for the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC). “This is particularly important in areas that might not otherwise see largescale infrastructure projects. At the same time, we would like to see a long-term strategy implemented on the delivery of that investment. This project predictability provides confidence for the sector to hire and train employees, as well as invest in innovative tools and technologies for the future.” The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) and MCAC have been working with the various levels of government prior to the election to ensure that legislation regarding retrofits and the skilled trades benefit those that are on the frontline. That isn’t to say that the government’s job is done; there is much more needed to expand retrofit www.plumbingandhvac.ca
