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MESSAGE FROM ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERING COMPANIES - CANADA (ACEC)
A Strategic Vision for Infrastructure:
Building Resilient and Prosperous Communities
I N CANADA'S EXTENSIVE urban and rural landscape, communities are interconnected by vital infrastructure.
However, looming challenges — including an increasing shortage of housing and infrastructure development — is putting pressure on all levels of government to find new
and innovative solutions that will support Canadians.
With labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainties and high levels of inflation exacerbated by
the pandemic, strategic planning for our infrastructure is crucial. It is in this context that the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies — Canada (ACEC) presented three recommendations in its pre-budget submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee and the Minister of Finance, aiming to address these challenges and foster resilience, sustainability, and connectivity nationwide.
EMBRACING A VISION FOR TOMORROW
At the heart of ACEC's proposal lies the call for the immediate implementation of the National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA). This visionary strategy offers a roadmap to address not only the immediate housing
and infrastructure challenges, but also the long-term imperatives of climate resilience, trade facilitation and energy sustainability. By assessing current infrastructure assets, setting forth long-term goals, and ensuring regular updates, the NIA will provide a framework for informed decision-making and proactive policy development and a pathway to foster sustainable growth and prosperity.
RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO INFRASTRUCTURE While the NIA lays the foundation for a prosperous future, immediate action is imperative. The intake for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) closed in March 2023 which has created a gap between infrastructure funding programs. ACEC is advocating for the immediate renewal
of funding for the ICIP or the expeditious introduction of its successor program. Such funding is essential to support the critical infrastructure needed to sustain our
growing communities. Roads, transit, electrical grids, water and wastewater are all needed to turn houses into homes, and these cannot be built without the necessary funding. As the federal government embarks on ambitious housing initiatives, from urban centres to remote towns, the ICIP or a successor program will serve to ensure we can build the critical infrastructure needed to support new communities and existing ones.
FOSTERING INNOVATION THROUGH FLEXIBILITY Infrastructure assets do not exist in isolation; community infrastructure is an ecosystem of interrelated assets that collectively ensure a strong and resilient Canada. In the pursuit of infrastructure excellence, flexibility is key. ACEC
has underscored in its submission the importance of allowing multi-project applications, thereby enabling municipalities to address interconnected infrastructure needs comprehensively. By embracing a holistic approach to infrastructure investment, provinces and municipalities can enhance resilience, optimize resource allocation and drive sustainable growth. Through asset management planning and lifecycle considerations, municipalities and other infrastructure owners can unlock the full potential of their investments, ensuring lasting benefits for generations to come.
CHARTING A COURSE FORWARD
As we stand at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge, the path forward is clear: collaboration, innovation and strategic foresight. ACEC's pre-budget recommendations offer a strategic vision for a stronger, more resilient, and better- connected Canada. By embracing a long-term vision, renewing infrastructure funding, and fostering flexibility in project applications, we can surmount the challenges of today and lay the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.
To learn more about ACEC’s advocacy efforts and how we strengthen the voice of the consulting engineering industry to elected officials and senior leaders in the federal government, visit www.acec.ca/advocacy.
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