CCA reports to Senate Committee that real gains from infrastructure come from long-term planning based on aligned objectives
Building a greener and more sustainable Canada requires a long-term investment strategy, said CCA President Mary Van Buren in her testimony before the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications.
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) was invited to appear before the committee on April 27 to help inform its study on the impacts of climate change on critical infrastructure in the transportation and communications sectors.
Van Buren raised the urgency of investing now in a long-term sustainable infrastructure plan that is aligned with the current and future needs of provinces, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. “One size does not fit all,” she said. “More consultation and early engagement need to happen.”
Recommendations made in CCA’s research paper, Strength, resilience, sustainability: Canada’s construction sector recommendations on adapting to climate change, were also referenced. Early investment in adaptation can substantially reduce climate change impacts on infrastructure and costs by over 90 per cent or $20.79 billion annually.
Van Buren also had the opportunity to discuss CCA’s response to the federal government’s proposed National Infrastructure Assessment after several senators asked for details on how to align different stakeholder groups. She outlined the need to establish an independent advisory body that can provide balanced and expert-guided advice to government and key stakeholders in the industry.
Investment has not kept pace with what provinces and municipalities need to address their aging infrastructure, or what the country needs to restore its position as a trusted global trading partner.
A report by the Canada West Foundation, supported by CCA, Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, Business Council of Canada and Canadian Chamber of Commerce, makes a strong case for a national plan for trade corridor infrastructure.
Van Buren underscored that Canada has fallen from 10th to 32nd in terms of global trade infrastructure and that it is vital we move from quick fixes to a strategy that focuses on long-term solutions and value for Canadians. Scaling up our trade infrastructure can build supply chain capacity, support green innovation and emerging technologies, create transformational jobs, and fuel our global competitiveness.
Also testifying were Matt Gemmel, Director of Policy and Research for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and Gerard McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Canada.
The appearance marked CCA’s fourth time in front of a senate or parliamentary committee in just two years. Previous appearances were before the House of Commons Standing Committees on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; Finance; and Government Operations and Estimates.