Canadian Construction Industry Applauds Federal Infrastructure Announcement

The Canadian Construction Association  welcomed today’s federal government announcement unveiling its strategy to develop a successor program for the current Building Canada Plan. “CCA applauds this announcement, which is an important first step in the development of a long-term national infrastructure plan,” said Michael Atkinson, president of CCA. “This will ensure that there will be no federal funding gaps when the existing Building Canada Plan expires in March of 2014.”

As an export-driven economy, the efficient flow of primary and manufactured goods or services outside its borders has been a key factor in Canada’s prosperity. Canada’s ability to conduct business and its reputation as a global supplier of goods and services depends on continued investment to improve Canadian infrastructure.“The investment in, and condition of, Canada’s infrastructure has been a barometer of its overall economic health,” Atkinson continued. “Since infrastructure is essential for productivity, innovation, competitiveness and economic growth, it is imperative that governments continue to invest in these assets.”

CCA members have long advocated a federal leadership role in the development of a long-term national plan for the management and renewal of Canada’s ageing infrastructure. The introduction of the Building Canada Plan was a concerted effort on the part of all governments to do so, and was welcomed by the Canadian construction industry.

Since that time, CCA has been pleased with the federal government commitment to consult with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as industry stakeholders, which is an important next step in the modernization of the Canadian infrastructure network.

“Today’s announcement reconfirms this government’s intent to remain a long-term funding partner in the development and management of infrastructure across Canada,” said Atkinson.

About CCA
The Canadian Construction Association is the voice of the national non-residential construction industry. It represents over 17,000 members in an integrated structure of some 70 local and provincial construction associations.