Cement industry applauds impact of the federal election

Regardless of the final federal election results last night, the all-party focus on the need for infrastructure  investment will have a positive impact on the industry and economy, says the Cement Association of Canada (CAC)

“We are pleased that the Liberal Party has committed to national leadership on climate change and to joining with the provinces and territories to put a price on carbon and reduce carbon pollution,” said CAC President and CEO Michael McSweeney.  Significantly, the Liberal government has also committed to significant investment in sustainable infrastructure to help make our communities safer and more resilient.

“The cement and concrete industry agree that putting a price on carbon is an essential first step to accelerate the leadership and investment in a low carbon future that is already evident in our industry and in some other sectors,” said McSweeney.

“Like the Prime Minister-designate, our industry is a strong proponent of collaboration. When it comes to addressing climate change, we’re walking the talk not only by reducing our emissions, but by helping governments and communities across Canada adapt and secure a low carbon and prosperous future.”

As part of its election platform, the Liberal Party committed to a $2-billion Low Carbon Economy Trust that will fund projects that help reduce carbon emissions and, appropriately, help place municipalities at the forefront of renewed investment in greener and more prosperous communities. 

“As these and other infrastructure investments are made, the Cement Association of Canada urges the new government to make life cycle assessment a core tool for decision-making as they seek the greatest economic, environmental and social value from investments in our built environment,” McSweeney said.

In addition, Mr. McSweeney noted, “Canada must show leadership on climate change. The cement and concrete industry know this is a collective challenge and stand ready to do our part. With Canada’s most populous provinces already moving ahead with carbon pricing and other climate policies, a key role for the federal government will be to encourage national coherence, but most importantly, to secure Canada’s trade competitiveness in markets that have yet to adopt equivalent climate policies.

“The federal government is in the best position to help ensure that local, provincial and national efforts to price carbon and reduce carbon emissions don’t put our industries at risk from the competitiveness imbalances they may create with firms operating in import-export markets which do not have equivalent carbon pricing and policies in place.”

The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) is the voice of Canada’s cement manufacturers. The industry provides a reliable, domestic supply of cement required to build Canada’s communities and critical infrastructure. The CAC and its members are committed to the environmentally responsible manufacturing of cement and concrete products. CAC’s members are: Ciment Québec Inc., Colacem Canada Inc., CRH Canada Group, ESSROC Italcementi Group, Federal White Cement Ltd., Lafarge Canada Inc., Lehigh Hanson and St Marys Cement Group.