CDAO is Encouraged that the Government of Ontario Continues to Protect Infrastructure Investment Levels in the 2012 Budget

TORONTO, March 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO) is pleased to see that the Government of Ontario is preserving the planned level of infrastructure investment - $35 billion over three years. We are happy to see that the government agrees that as a province we need to continue to invest in infrastructure to build a strong Ontario, create jobs and remain competitive now and into the future.

Joe Accardi, CDAO Chair and Executive Director of the OSWCA said "We understand that the Ontario government has huge fiscal challenges and are extremely encouraged by the fact that they did listen to the construction and design industry and maintained significiant infrastructure investment levels."

We understand the necessity of addressing the $15.2 billion deficit in Budget 2012.  We are somewhat concerned that the government has chosen to address this in part by delaying and cancelling some previously announced infrastructure projects. CDAO will continue to remind the government that the Canadian Conference Board clearly states that every real dollar spent on public infrastructure generates a $1.11 increase in economic output.  Again, the need for a balancing act between deficit reduction and infrastructure investment is important.  The recently released Drummond Report reminded the government that a balanced approach to investment in infrastructure does produce economic growth and jobs.

Modern and reliable infrastructure drives Ontario's economy. It contributes to Ontario's wealth and productivity, and it helps attract investment and create jobs.  Infrastructure also shapes communities, improves the standard of living, and allows the province to remain competitive. Ontario's economy and quality of life depend on good public infrastructure and as an industry we are committed to working with the government toward reach this goal.

The CDAO is composed of the major construction and design organizations involved in delivering infrastructure across Ontario.

Members include:
Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO)
Consulting Engineers of Ontario (CEO)
Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario (MCAO)
Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
Ontario Construction User Council (OCUC)
Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA)
Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA)
Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA)
Ontario Sewer & Watermain Contractors Association (OSWCA)
Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)
Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO)
Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON)

Contact Information: Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO) at 905-629-7766 OR 416-886-8706.