Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA), along with its industry colleagues, recently authored an Op-Ed in the Hill Times that calls for long-term trade strategies in Canada.
Canada’s economy is heavily dependent on exports, particularly to the United States, which accounts for about 75% of Canadian exports. Increasing political and economic unpredictability in the U.S., including protectionist policies and regulatory instability, has highlighted the urgent need for Canada to diversify its trade partners.
Despite this, Canada lacks a long-term, coordinated strategy for trade infrastructure. Instead of focusing on national goals, infrastructure spending has often gone to short-term, fragmented projects. As a result, Canada’s trade transportation systems are falling behind global competitors, and the risks to economic stability are mounting.
To address this, we’re advocating for a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP), which is a strategic, government-industry partnership to develop and prioritize critical trade corridors and gateways. CTIP would improve transportation efficiency, support export diversification, and strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness while lowering emissions.
Though the federal government’s $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridor Fund is a step forward, much more is needed. A bold, sustained investment in trade infrastructure is essential to protect jobs, grow the economy, and secure Canada’s future as a reliable trading nation.
This Op-Ed was signed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Construction Association, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, the Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation, Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association and Canada West Foundation.
Read the Op-Ed.
Canada West Foundation also published an Op-Ed in the Hill Times, which highlights the need for both the government and industry work in cooperation to improve trade corridors and garner long-term investment. Read the Op-Ed.
