September 14, 2012

Infrastructure summit generates momentum

OTTAWA

The Canadian Infrastructure Report Card , the National Infrastructure Summit and the recent infrastructure roundtable discussions are all key to the future of the nation’s infrastructure, says one industry leader.

“I think anything that contributes to the conversation and to the knowledge base in putting together a prudent, sustainable, long-term plan is extremely helpful,” said Michael Atkinson, president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).

The Building Canada Plan, introduced in 2007 is set to expire in 2014. Stakeholders are anxious to have their say in what that new plan will look like.

The second National Infrastructure Summit was held in Regina, Sept. 10 to 12, where stakeholders gathered to discuss long-term infrastructure funding. Many of the delegates were from the municipalities who participated in the infrastructure report card. Bringing together so many like-minded stakeholders is always a good thing, says Atkinson.

“I think it creates a certain energy, a certain synergy and momentum that is very important because despite what some people may think, the importance of Canada’s infrastructure is a tale that has to be continually be told — whether it’s around the cabinet table, the municipal table or the kitchen table,” he said.

The new federal infrastructure plan is expected to be unveiled in 2013.

“Our infrastructure is really the health care system for Canada’s economy and if our infrastructure catches a cold, our economy sure as heck is going to sneeze and cough. You can’t sever the ties between the two of them; they’re intricately linked.”

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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