Canada’s premiers endorse CCA backed trade-enabling infrastructure investment proposal
On July 12, the Council of the Federation, a group composed of each provincial premier and territorial leader, endorsed the principles set out in the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP).
Prior to their meetings, CCA President Mary Van Buren presented to the Premiers at a breakfast session to highlight the importance of investing in trade infrastructure. She was also interviewed later that day on CBC National.
This proposal by a coalition of business groups, including the Canadian Construction Association, Business Council of Canada, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada West Foundation, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation, and Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, is championing a long-term planning and investment strategy that prioritizes nation-building trade infrastructure.
Canada’s premiers recognized that trade-enabling infrastructure, such as highways, ports, railroads and airports, are an indispensable part of Canada’s economic profile and crucial to its economic well-being – a view shared by 94 per cent of Canadians, according to a recent survey by Ipsos. Trade is fundamental to Canada’s success, generating over 67 per cent of its GDP and supporting more than three million jobs throughout the country.
Canada’s premiers also called on the federal government to convene a First Ministers’ meeting dedicated to discussing the priorities of a strategic trade corridor infrastructure federal program and its link to Canada’s economic growth and competitiveness.
“Trade corridor infrastructure is critical to enhance and secure the vital supply chains, transportation networks, and market access needed to maximize our economic potential and prosperity,” according to a Council of the Federation press release.
The acknowledgment of trade-enabling infrastructure as a priority by the premiers is an important step towards advancing Canada’s economic interests. With their endorsement and support, these discussions are expected to lead to concrete investments and actions to address Canada’s declining reputation as a global trade partner – falling from 10th to 26th in terms of its global trade infrastructure ranking.
For more information on this report or the work CCA is currently focused on to address the issues covered, please email Louis-Philippe Champagne, Director of Government Relations and Policy.
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