Manitoba business groups seek boost to federal infrastructure program
The MHCA and 19 other business groups and associations have called upon Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna to enhance the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and allow flexibility for provinces in the projects qualifying for funding.
“We are told Manitoba has more than $6B in project submissions for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) with many being shovel-ready,” the letter sent April 28 notes.
“We urge the federal government to make the most of the current market conditions – competitive bid prices and extraordinarily low interest rates – to meet the formidable economic challenge in front of us. We ask that your government accelerate the ICIP approval process allowing our economy to benefit from the immediate economic stimulus resulting from infrastructure investment.”
The letter was co-signed by ACEC-Mb, Business Council of Manitoba, Construction Association of Rural Manitoba, Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters-Mb, Electrical Association of Manitoba, Keystone Agricultural Producers, Manitoba Association of Sheet Metal and Air Handling Contractors, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, Manitoba Masonry Contractors Association, Manitoba Real Estate Association, Manitoba Trucking Association, Manitoba Wall and Ceiling Association, Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba, Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba, Urban Development Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Winnipeg Construction Association.
The groups are asking for a meeting with regional lead federal minister, Dan Vandal, Minister of Natural Resources.
MHCA is asking its members to circulate the letter to associates. Read the full letter here.
