Construction leaders call on government to increase Canada’s economic recovery with infrastructure investment

The Canadian Construction Association's (CCA) annual "Hill Day" is planned for November 30, 2021. With economic recovery from the pandemic being imperative for Canada, the Canadian construction sector is calling on the federal government to make increased investment in infrastructure a top priority. The sector is also encouraging the Government of Canada to refresh its approach to procurement and to work with the construction industry to help build the workforce of the future. 

With 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 percent of Canada's Gross Domestic Product. Investments in infrastructure are an effective way to drive the economic recovery and make lasting improvements that will sustain Canada's continued growth. 

Increasing infrastructure investment

Construction leaders believe 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, goals must be set for building sustainability into the infrastructure and funding must be predictable, flow quickly and be aligned with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous needs. An independent advisory body should be created to align governments at the provincial and municipal level to address infrastructure deficits across Canada. 

Improving procurement 

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