Ottawa, November 30 - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement today:

“We applaud the government’s announcement of launching national consultations on a long-term infrastructure plan for Canada. State of the art, effective and reliable infrastructure is a key component of economic competitiveness. Looking ahead, we see an enormous increase in public infrastructure requirements in our country. As infrastructure ages, new investments are required to refurbish or replace existing stock. Canada needs a national infrastructure investment strategy that includes funding models, increased private-sector involvement and takes into account the wide range of challenges and opportunities in communities across Canada.

We are pleased that consultations will first focus on understanding the nature and scope of infrastructure needs across the country and assess the various infrastructure programs and strategies across jurisdictions. They should also focus on ways to overcome the fiscal challenges facing many Canadian municipalities. Many governments have improved their countries’ infrastructure by crafting partnerships between the public and private sectors. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, properly applied public-private partnerships can help ensure rapid completion and efficient management of projects to the benefit of taxpayers, businesses and Canada as a whole. The benefits are especially important in light of Canada’s current fiscal pressures.

Building 21st century infrastructure-will facilitate the flow of people, goods, and ideas that have built Canada’s jobs and contributed to rising standards of living. It will also provide confidence to businesses looking to invest in new locations across Canada. The Canadian Chamber looks forward to contributing to the dialogue to advance Canada’s global competitiveness”.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 420 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at Chamber.ca or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.

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Contact:
Émilie S. Potvin
Director, Public Affairs & Media Relations
Office: 613.238.4000 (231)
Cell.: 613.797.1860
epotvin@chamber.ca