Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is urging all levels of government to support and enhance Canada’s economic recovery by maintaining a free-flowing system of trade and labour mobility between provinces.
In a statement issued last Friday (Oct.9), CCA said it has long advocated that reciprocity and the free movement of construction materials, services and personnel within Canada are not only important underpinning principles of our federation but are essential elements of our national economy, a fact highlighted as COVID-19 continues to cause disruptions not only in critical supplies but in workforces as well.
“Some regions have been harder hit economically than others. But the solution is not to reflexively turn inward,” CCA president Mary van Buren said in the statement. “Interprovincial trade barriers are inefficient, and do not support fair, transparent and competitive procurement processes, When we are facing one of the biggest challenges in our history, it is more important than ever that we stand united and work together.”
CCA members – 70 per cent of which are small and medium-sized, family-run businesses – are asking for a clear, balanced, fair and flexible national economic stimulus plan that includes significant investment in infrastructure.
CCA has been advocating for all levels of government to continue investing in important infrastructure projects in all regions of Canada and has been pressing the federal government to reduce red tape and ensure that tenders are issued efficiently.
The Canadian construction industry is ready, willing and able to partner with the Government of Canada and the Provinces to help our country re-build its economy and improve the quality of life of all Canadians, the statement said.
