Infrastructure investment on priority list of premiers’ council
Premier Heather Stefanson highlighted the need to invest in critical infrastructure in outlining her priorities as she assumed the Chair of the Council of the Federation September 26. The Council is the collaborative body of First Ministers, where provinces set their agenda in relations with the federal government.
Stefanson, taking over from B.C. Premier John Horgan, said health care transfers from Ottawa remain the primary focus of the premiers in discussion with the Trudeau government.
“We have a historic opportunity to build a sustainable and more resilient health-care system – with more health-care workers – to better address the needs of all Canadians,” Stefanson said in a government news release. “All premiers continue to call on the prime minister to effectively collaborate with us in funding the necessary action that all Canadians so urgently expect and deserve.”
Investing in critical infrastructure projects is also crucial for creating jobs and necessary for Canada’s economic recovery and growth, the premier added. Additionally, global economic pressures and the increased cost of living continue to be a concern for all premiers.
“It’s important we listen and respond to the needs and concerns of Canadians, and I look forward to collaborating with all premiers to identify solutions and take necessary action to improve the health and well-being of all Canadians,” said Stefanson.
MHCA President Chris Lorenc, also president of the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, said Stefanson’s leadership of the Council is puts Manitoba in good position to put trade infrastructure investment on the table, as a priority across the country among the provinces.
“Premier Stefanson notes economic recovery is tied to strong, efficient infrastructure because we know that everything eventually moves by road and our trade corridors and gateways need investment,” Lorenc said. “If you can’t move it, you can’t sell it – simple as that.”
Lorenc noted that the WCRHCA was among nine leading Canadian business associations that signed a Canada West Foundation letter to Stefanson in late August, seeking a meeting to discuss national trade corridor and gateway investment. The CWF in May released the report From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy, calling for a strategy to plan investment in those trade infrastructure projects with the highest return to the GDP, addressing the precipitous fall in Canada’s reputation globally as a reliable trade partner.
As Council Chair, Stefanson will host the next in-person meeting with her provincial counterparts in Manitoba, July 10 to 12, 2023.
