A coalition of construction sector associations in Canada are urging the federal and provincial governments to deliver on infrastructure investments.

The newly formed Building for Recovery coalition includes Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada (ACEC – Canada), and the National Trade Contractors Council of Canada (NTCCC).

“The construction sector is ready to rebuild Canada’s economy, but all levels of government must deliver on infrastructure investments now to get projects started,” says Brian McGuire, AED’s president and CEO.

The Building for Recovery coalition was developed to encourage individuals working in and supportive of the construction sector to send a letter to their local representative at both the federal and provincial levels, asking for support to deliver infrastructure investments to help rebuild the Canadian economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite billions of dollars of existing infrastructure commitments, these investments have been slow to roll out. Infrastructure Canada’s website shows that of the nearly 17,000 approved projects, fewer than 900 have received funding,” says John Gamble, president and CEO of ACEC – Canada.

While rebuilding Canada’s economy from the pandemic's impacts will require a comprehensive stimulus plan, investing in infrastructure has a proven return on investment. The Public Policy Forum has found that for every dollar invested in public infrastructure, governments can expect to see a return of $2 to $4.

“History shows that investments in infrastructure are not only the best way to stimulate the economy, but they also create immediate employment opportunities and improve the economic and environmental quality of life for all Canadians,” says Sandra Skivsky, chair of the NTCCC. 

“With federal and provincial governments working in collaboration with Canada’s construction sector, we can ensure that we build back a stronger, more resilient country from the pandemic,” says Mary Van Buren, president of CCA. “The time is now to deliver on billions of dollars of investments so we that can start to rebuild our economy.”

To get involved, send a letter, and learn more about the Building for Recovery coalition, visit buildforrecovery.ca.