Federal Budget to Drive Canada's Economy through Skills and Infrastructure Investments

OTTAWA, March 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Budget 2013 has engaged the interest of the engineering profession by committing to the future of Canada's prosperity.

Presented by Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty in the House of Commons on March 21, the budget not only addresses the Government's commitment to develop a long-term infrastructure plan, it also proposes measures that will help the engineering profession, and the country, to manage coming skills shortages.

"The steps the federal government is proposing will ensure that Canada has the talent it needs to drive our economy," said Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng., chief executive officer of Engineers Canada. "There is a need for outreach programs to promote education in fields where there is high demand, including engineering and other STEM fields."

Engineers Canada actively participated in the consultations by the federal government over the past two years on the long-term infrastructure plan. We've been advocating for sustainable funding for core public infrastructure and proper long-term asset management.

"The federal government has taken the advice offered by many stakeholders on the need for a vision for Canada's public infrastructure," said Allen. "The continued investment in infrastructure, including the $14 billion new Building Canada Fund, will help provide safer and more effective infrastructure. It's also good to see the investment in First Nations infrastructure priorities."

Engineers are integral to strong and resilient public infrastructure. The federal government's education outreach to attract future professionals will help Canada reach its goals. Engineers Canada, along with its constituent associations, is dedicated to continually working with the government and other stakeholders to protect Canadians and improve our quality of life.

Engineers Canada is the business name of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers and is the national organization of the 12 provincial and territorial associations that regulate the practice of engineering in Canada and license the country's more than 250,000 members of the engineering profession.

SOURCE: Engineers Canada

William Meyer,Manager, Communications
613-232-2474, ext. 249
[email protected]