PM Trudeau must explain, reject minister’s ‘no more roads’ comments: MHCA
The MHCA, as part of the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, is working with national business organizations in asking the federal government to confirm its commitment to investing in Canada’s trade transportation system.
The call comes in the wake of federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault’s ‘no new roads’ comments February 12, and that Ottawa will not be investing in large infrastructure projects.
MHCA President & CEO Chris Lorenc said Trudeau must disavow Guilbeault’s statements.
Guilbeault in media reports (available here and here) February 12 said the federal government will not fund new road infrastructure. Guilbeault said Ottawa would help pay for maintenance but existing road infrastructure “Is perfectly adequate to respond to the needs we have.”
On February 14, he clarified he meant specifically no federal cash for large road projects, such as Quebec’s third link, a highway tunnel connecting Quebec City to Lévis.
The comments drew swift reaction and condemnation across the provinces from premiers – BC’s David Eby, Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Ontario’s Rob Ford — as well as business associations, such as the Canadian Construction Association and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said Guilbeault doesn’t understand the needs of Canada’s municipalities.
“That position is out of touch with the needs of Canadian cities,” Gillingham said February 15.
“We have growing populations, and to increase housing, trade and economic development we need to invest in road renewal and strategic increases to capacity, along with transit and active transportation projects. “
Premier Wab Kinew committed to moving forward with Manitoba’s road infrastructure priorities, including trade corridors.
“We know Manitobans want to see investment in roads and highways across our province – and we are committed to doing just that,” Kinew said. “We won’t wait to make sure we take action on projects like twinning Highway 1, building more roads in rural and northern Manitoba and investing in the City of Winnipeg.”
The CCA, in social media posts, noted the federal plans to promote construction of massive number of housing units cannot happen without large infrastructure projects, including roads and sewer & water.
The CCA called on Trudeau to clarify his government’s position on infrastructure funding, and to partner with industry and municipal and provincial governments “to build a strong foundation for a stronger Canada.” It noted that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities says Ottawa’s push to see 5.8 million new homes built will require an additional $375 billion in public funding to ensure the infrastructure required to service such development is built, too.
Further, CCA said, transportation infrastructure is foundational to moving Canada’s economy – people to jobs and goods to market.
“We have been underinvesting in our trade-enabling infrastructure for 15 years, as evidenced by the drop from 10th to 32nd in term of the world Economic Forum’s global trade infrastructure ranking. Without continued investment in critical infrastructure, a recommended by the National Supply Chain Task Force, including trade-enabling infrastructure, Canada will fail to harness trade with its international partners for its economic success.”
The Prime Minister must step up to disavow Guilbeault’s comments categorically and explain his government’s position and intent regarding investment in cost-sharing of large infrastructure projects designed to advance national economic interests, Lorenc said.
The Association of Manitoba Municipalities issued a release critical of the Minister’s statements suggesting he was out of touch with the realities facing municipalities across this country.
Premier Eby, also asking Trudeau to clarify, noted that British Columbia is expecting Ottawa to make good on its commitment to upgrade Highway 1. Other large BC projects include the Massey Tunnel and infrastructure work needed in the Sumas Prairie, as a result of the 2021 flooding.
Ontario has proposed a new highway – Highway 413 – to connect major arteries in the Greater Toronto Area. Ottawa has said that project needs to go through an impact assessment; the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada reports to Guilbeault.
The CCA and the WCR&HCA, of which MHCA is a member, underscored the critical need for federal (and provincial) investment in Canada’s trade corridor network and infrastructure – highways, ports, rail and air – to position the country to solidify and expand its trade profile and productivity. Trade accounts for 65% of Canada’s GDP.
“Canada’s reputation has been damaged from the lack of a long-term, strategic trade corridor investment plan and that means our global competition for trade markets is capitalizing on our weakness,” said Chris Lorenc. Lorenc also serves as the President of WCR&HCA.
The WCR&HCA and the CCA are working to advance a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan, with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and the Canada West Foundation. The CTIP proposal can be read here.
CTIP is based heavily on the recommendations out of the CWF’s From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy report (May, 2022), which painted an alarming picture of what’s at stake for the country’s economic growth prospects in absence of a cohesive trade infrastructure investment strategy.
It notes other countries in direct competition with Canada for trade markets, such as Great Britain and Australia, have such strategies.
“Canada simply cannot afford to continue to ignore the need for a multi-year investment strategy for our national network of trade corridors,” Lorenc said.
“All our social programs, including for health, education and safety, require sustained funding and that funding comes from the revenues generated from trade.”
But: “if you can’t move it, you can’t sell it.”
