Construction leaders to advocate for infrastructure investment

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is calling on the federal government to make increased investment in infrastructure a top priority. (Image courtesy of CCA)

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) will be calling on the federal government to make increased investment in infrastructure a top priority during tomorrow’s CCA annual Hill Day. Citing the need for economic recovery from the pandemic, the association is also encouraging the Canadian government to refresh its approach to procurement and to work with the construction industry to help build the workforce of the future.

“This is a historic moment for Canada to build a brighter and better future,” says CCA president Mary Van Buren. “Now is the time for action and increased investment in infrastructure that will help people, businesses and communities thrive into the future.”

The CCA says that the federal government needs to close the gap between the level of investment currently allocated and what is needed to fix aging infrastructure as well as position Canada for the future. In addition, the organization says that goals must be set for building sustainability into infrastructure, with funding that is predictable, flows quickly and is aligned with provincial, municipal and Indigenous needs.

CCA would like to see the creation of an independent advisory body to align governments at the provincial and municipal level to address infrastructure deficits across Canada.

With shortages in materials and labour, and productivity and sustainability issues on the rise, including net zero carbon targets, the association says now is the time for the federal government to modernize procurement strategies to encourage innovation, account for long-term value and sustainability, promote the use of alternative delivery models, and support shared risk.

With some 1.4 million jobs, the construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers. It is also a major contributor to the country’s economy, contributing 7.5 per cent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product. Across Canada, CCA represents more than 20,000 member firms from 63 local and provincial integrated partner associations.