Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government says it has launched an engagement paper on Canada’s first National Infrastructure Assessment: “Building the Canada We Want in 2050” — setting out priorities for the next three decades.
The planned assessment is similar to one completed in the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2018, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) says. The association says it is preparing a “big table” response by the June 30 public consultation/input deadline.
The engagement paper sets out the purpose and benefits of undertaking the assessment and seeks input from the public, Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, municipalities, and stakeholders on three main priorities:
- Assessing Canada’s infrastructure needs and establishing a long-term vision;
- Improving coordination among infrastructure owners and funders; and
- Determining the best ways to fund and finance infrastructure.
“The National Infrastructure Assessment, once in place, will help identify Canada’s evolving needs and priorities in the built environment and undertake evidence-based long-term planning toward a net-zero emissions future,” the government says in a statement. “By continuing to link our investments with outcomes, we can ensure a strong and equitable recovery that creates good jobs, grows the economy and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities for all Canadians.”
“CCA will be developing a robust, forward-looking vision, in consultation with with our membership and local associations and thought leaders in the aerospace, academic, banking, commercial, energy, transport, retail, technology and innovation sectors as well as indigenous and industry partners,” the association says.
“The preliminary recommendations will be reviewed at a ‘Big Table’ meeting of the Board and association leaders in early June. We look forward to sharing more about the vision and framework for a long-term infrastructure investment strategy over the next several months.”
Following the engagement process, the Government says it will consider the next steps for the National Infrastructure Assessment, “including establishing an independent advisory body, setting out the processes for obtaining expert advice, ongoing public engagement and producing interim studies and reports to inform infrastructure policy and investment,” the government statement says.