The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has outlined its vision for future infrastructure planning, funding and delivery in response to the federal government’s proposed National Infrastructure Assessment. The need for a longer-term infrastructure planning and investment strategy has been a central focus of CCA’s advocacy program.

Endorsed by CCA’s local construction association partners, the submission makes a series of recommendations aimed at securing a stable, long-term infrastructure pipeline powered by a well-trained and diverse workforce. These include:

·        Developing a long-term vision guided by an independent, apolitical Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Council;

·        Shifting the funding allocation model from the intense scrutiny of one-off projects identified by provinces, municipalities, or Indigenous communities to a robust, longer-term asset management plan guided by objectives established by the independent council; and

·        Adopting a collaborative and agile approach to public procurement to accelerate the benefits to be gained from infrastructure investment.

“Infrastructure investment can be transformational: a catalyst for nation-building and achieving the aspirations of all Canadians,” says Mary Van Buren, CCA president. “These recommendations would accelerate the flow of much needed infrastructure investment to communities, with the federal government focusing on a national vision, guided by evidence-based and independent expert advice.”

The submission is the result of an industry-wide consultation with our Board, partner construction associations, National Advisory Councils, members and other stakeholders. CCA engaged Nanos Research to help conduct focus groups, an online survey, one-on-one interviews, several national workshops and a literature review. The consultation was also informed by independent and evidence-based analysis, from the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis.

The construction sector is key to Canada’s post-pandemic recovery and future economy. It employs more than 1.4 million Canadians and contributes 7.5 per cent towards Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The complexities of infrastructure require leadership, long-term vision, balance and consistency to deliver optimum benefits to all Canadians.

An investment in infrastructure is an investment in Canada and our communities, and the construction industry is willing and able to partner with the government. We remain committed to helping our country re-build its economy and improve the quality of life of all Canadians. 

Click here to read CCA’s detailed submission to Infrastructure Canada on Building the Canada We Want in 2050

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Across Canada, CCA represents more than 20,000 member firms drawn from 63 local and provincial integrated partner associations. CCA gives voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, Canada’s heavy civil, institutional, commercial and industrial construction industry.

The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers and a major contributor to the country’s economic success. The industry, 70 per cent of which is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employs more than 1.4 million Canadians and contributes 7.5 per cent towards Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

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