ACEC Annual Report - Association of Consulting Engineering ...

6
Infrastructure, Engineers and Canada’s Competitiveness
“There is a need for long term investment in critical infrastructure to support Canada’s future production capacity”
David Dodge, Bank of Canada
“Crumbling highways are not just a poor way to welcome tourists. They can strangle an economy, too”
Globe and Mail editorial, 18/04/06
“The problem is governments have tended to treat our highway system like they used to think of the rural telephone
system. Once the poles are up, you never need to do anything again”
Jonathan Vance,
University of Western Ontario
“After years of ignoring infrastructure, it’s coming home to roost”
David Caplan, Ontario Minister,
Public Infrastructure Renewal
“Working together, Canadian governments can generate economic growth by expanding targeted investments in
infrastructure and transportation”
Gordon Campbell, Premier
British Columbia
“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”
John F. Kennedy
Infrastructure – Backbone of our Economy:
Infrastructure is the backbone of our nation’s economy. Prosperity requires a healthy environment, safe
drinking water, efficient transportation and reliable energy systems. In past decades, however, Canada
has underinvested in infrastructure resulting in a growing infrastructure debt that is jeopardizing our
productivity and competitiveness.
National long-term planning needed:
Although Canada has already committed significant short-term funding to renew its infrastructure,
long-term planning of 30-40 years is required. To ensure Canadians get the best value for current
and future investments, Canada now needs a well coordinated plan developed by the three levels of
government along with the relevant stakeholders, including consulting engineers who are involved
in virtually every infrastructure project in the country. The National Roundtable on Sustainable
Infrastructure (NRTSI) is the ideal forum for effective long term planning and it requires financial
support from the federal government.
Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada • Association des ingénieurs-conseils du Canada