The head of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association says jobs — not ideology — will help Winnipeg and Manitoba get through the growing economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chris Lorenc warned councillors on the City of Winnipeg’s finance committee on Monday there is a “lack of confidence in the economy by all sectors,” and that way that could stimulate it would be by spending on infrastructure.

It’s an opportune time to make the investments as competition in the the construction market is strong and prices are low, Lorenc said.

“As difficult as it is for the disciples of fiscal balance … this is not the time for rampant austerity,” he said. “This is the time for stimulus to ensure or economy doesn’t flatline.”

His comments come as the provincial Progressive Conservative government tries to cut back spending on services it does not consider essential during the pandemic. Premier Brian Pallister has also proposed reduced work weeks for non-essential workers.

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association is in discussions with the provincial government to accelerate investments in infrastructure, Lorenc said.

Councillors on the committee were told a key piece in accelerating the city’s infrastructure spending is the federal government, with it’s expansive financial borrowing power.

Ottawa has already been asked by Canadian municipalities to help subsidize losses from the pandemic and there is hope the federal government will come through with funding for infrastructure to help stimulate the economy.

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