Flexibility on Stimulus Deadline is Realistic, Prudent

OTTAWA, Dec. 2 /CNW/ - The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada (ACEC) applauds the decision by the Government of Canada to provide flexibility on the stimulus funding deadline on projects for which funding has already been approved but may have experienced legitimate delays during implementation.

ACEC believes that public infrastructure is a core business of government and is important to the social, economic and environmental quality of life in Canada. ACEC recognizes the importance of infrastructure commitments from successive governments in recent years, including the current stimulus programs. ACEC acknowledges that the primary purpose of the current stimulus spending program was to create jobs and opportunities for Canadians and that it is important to spend stimulus money as quickly as possible. The announced extension will allow a timely and orderly conclusion to the stimulus program.

According to ACEC President, John Gamble, "this program has been successful in both job creation and in allowing investment in infrastructure that may not have otherwise occurred". Mr. Gamble notes that the Conference Board of Canada in its recent series of reports Lessons from the Recession and Financial Crisis (March 2010) concluded that of all fiscal stimulus measures, infrastructure investment has had the largest impact on economic growth. "This conclusion not only validates the government's stimulus spending on infrastructure, but also demonstrates the value of infrastructure investment to Canada's economic health in general."

ACEC also notes that notwithstanding the important progress made with stimulus spending, Canada continues to have a significant infrastructure deficit accumulated over many decades. As other ongoing infrastructure programs expire over the next few years, ACEC looks forward to opportunities to work with the Government and other stakeholders to develop a long-term infrastructure investment strategy to ensure Canada's continued economic health.

ACEC is a business association representing nearly 500 consulting engineering firms across Canada. Consulting engineering is a $21.8 billion a year industry that employs 100,000 Canadians.

For further information:

John Gamble, P.Eng.
President
Association of Consulting Engineering Companies
T: 1-800-565-0569
C: 613-294-9200
Email: [email protected]