The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) welcomed the federal government’s announcement in Budget 2011 of its intention to strengthen public infrastructure by introducing legislation to formalize the current $2 billion annual Gas Tax Fund transfers to municipalities and to work with provinces, territories, municipalities and other stakeholders to develop a long-term plan for public infrastructure that extends beyond the expiry of the Building Canada Plan.
“Within the next 10 years much of our infrastructure will need to be replaced or expanded to avoid economic stagnation. Canada needs to remain focused on the renewal of these critical assets as they are the foundation of our economy and the pillars that support a competitive and export-focused Canadian economy,” said Michael Atkinson, president of the Canadian Construction Association.
CCA has been a strong advocate for permanent federal funding for the modernization of national, provincial and local infrastructure assets. As an export-driven nation, these assets are critical to Canada’s future competitiveness. With many of Canada’s international competitors investing billions of dollars to modernize their infrastructure, it is imperative that Canada continue to support the modernization of these assets to ensure it remains globally competitive.
CCA also welcomed the announcement of $148 million over the next five years to repair international bridges, a commitment of $1 billion for the Windsor-Essex Parkway P3 project, funding for Research Chairs at colleges and polytechnics, as well as the extension of the Tuition Tax Credit to cover occupational trade examinations.