CCA calls for infrastructure investment, refreshed procurement approach at Hill Day

OTTAWA – The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) will take part in Hill Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa today (Nov. 30).

With economic recovery from the pandemic being imperative, the Canadian construction sector is calling on the federal government to make increased investment in infrastructure a top priority, states a release, adding the sector is also encouraging the federal government to refresh its approach to procurement and to work with the industry to help build the workforce of the future. 

The CCA will be taking the following messages to the Parliament Hill:

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.

Goals must be set for building sustainability into 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. 

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

With many sectors hard hit from the pandemic, there is an opportunity to train and hire the next generation of construction workers.

The federal government needs to work with industry to position the sector as a “career of choice” and to recruit, train and retain tomorrow’s workforce.  

“This is a historic moment for Canada to build a brighter and better future,” said Mary Van Buren, president of the CCA, in a statement. “Now is the time for action and increased investment in infrastructure that will help people, businesses, and communities thrive into the future. With the federal government’s support, the construction sector is ready to step up and play a key role in driving Canada’s economic recovery and future success.”