CCA to put core infrastructure on the federal radar
MHCA members, board meets with construction association leadership
Core infrastructure, especially trade transportation infrastructure, is a critical element to economic growth in Canada, the leadership of the Canadian Construction Association agreed Wednesday in a breakfast meeting organized by the MHCA.
CCA Chair John Bockstael also stressed that local infrastructure is critical to the quality of life for Canadians and that it is in need of investment because most of it was constructed in the 1960s.
Bockstael also referred to the findings of the 2019 Canadian Infrastructure Report Card that found 39% of roads and 38.7% of bridges/tunnels are in “very poor” to “fair” condition, indicating the deficit of investment that has persisted for decades in the country.
CCA is turning its attention to increased profile for its concerns and advocacy especially at the federal government level. Association President Mary van Buren said the 20,000 members across Canada have to become more vocal, taking the opportunity to call or email their MPs and federal cabinet ministers about infrastructure investment.
CCA has implemented ‘Hill Day’ in which members join in on meeting federal MPs and cabinet ministers in their offices on Parliament Hill each November to advocate for infrastructure funding programs and priorities.
The meeting spoke to the problem of provincial take-up on federal infrastructure funding programs. While the Trudeau government remains committed to its $180-billion infrastructure program, the success of its roll-out depends on provinces agreeing to the identified projects for cost-shared construction.
It was noted that Manitoba has taken up only 15% of its allotted funds.
“The discussion, especially through the vigorous question period, was really good for putting the priorities of core infrastructure on the table for the CCA, which is our national voice,” said MHCA President Chris Lorenc.
“I think everyone in the room agreed the federal election campaign gave inadequate attention to the need for strong, stable investment programs for infrastructure,” Lorenc added. “No party seemed prepared to talk about nation-building projects that our economy relies on to grow. We will work to change that.”
