Ontario Construction News staff writer
Canada’s business community is calling on federal and provincial governments to accelerate infrastructure spending, warning that decades of underinvestment are weighing on economic productivity and future growth.
Industry groups say Canada is at a critical moment as aging transportation, housing and energy systems struggle to meet demand. With the economy slowing and major private-sector projects underway nationwide, business leaders argue governments should adopt bold, coordinated strategies to modernize infrastructure and support construction activity.
“The business community is united in its call for bold and collaborative action, recognizing that there’s been an underinvestment in infrastructure for decades and Canada now has an opportunity to build for the future and catch up with the past,” the coalition said in a statement.
Construction and development organizations have long pushed for streamlined permitting, improved labour mobility programs to address skilled-trade shortages and predictable multi-year funding plans for major public works. Industry leaders say targeted spending in transportation networks, housing supply, clean energy and municipal infrastructure will bolster long-term competitiveness, while supporting thousands of jobs across the construction sector.
Several provinces, including Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, have launched large capital plans in recent years. However, industry organizations say current efforts fall short of what’s needed to keep pace with population growth and ensure Canada remains globally competitive.