Infrastructure spending is a hot topic this election
October 16, 2015
Infrastructure spending is being discussed as an issue of some importance this election, and politicians from all of the mainstream parties seem to acknowledge that well planned infrastructure has the power to create jobs, strengthen communities and protect the environment.
Infrastructure funding is an important government responsibility that is of key importance for all Canadians. Continued and predictable infrastructure spending is an economic driver upon which all Canadians should be able to depend.
In order for infrastructure spending to be truly successful, all levels of government must work together towards the same goal and infrastructure funding should make up six per cent of the GDP.
Not only is it vital to ensure that infrastructure spending is sustainable, but it is also of the utmost importance to regulate the way in which such funds are distributed and put to use.
Investment in infrastructure should be based on the needs of communities, which should play a vital part in proving these needs, in prioritizing projects and in gauging, ultimately, whether or not, any given infrastructure investment has been a success.
Although it remains to be seen which parties will form the next federal government, whoever wins should commit to infrastructure investments being determined by an effective and transparent application process that meets economic and community needs. Furthermore, infrastructure investment must be protected by some accountability for the distribution and spending of funds.
It’s encouraging to see political parties bring infrastructure spending front and centre, but their promises will need to be consistent and well planned to have the most impact for Canadians.