CDAO urges Ontario to protect infrastructure funding in upcoming budget

TORONTO, March 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO) is concerned with Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan's comment when questioned about his March 27 Ontario Budget.  The Minister told Queen's Park reporters that "There will be significant reductions in infrastructure spending in the coming years, which will save us hundreds of millions in interest costs over time."

This comment comes nine months after Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli tabled the government's 10 Year Infrastructure Plan. CDAO was very pleased that the government recognized that poorly maintained and inadequate infrastructure was putting Ontario's economic prosperity at risk. CDAO congratulated the government for moving forward with a much needed long-term plan to address Ontario's infrastructure deficit. The Plan is a commitment by the government to invest $35 billion in the first three years including $12.8 billion in 2011-12 for much needed infrastructure.

Joe Accardi, CDAO Chair and Executive Director of the OSWCA said "We understand that the Ontario government has huge fiscal challenges, however it is important to ensure that the province's debt burden does not interfere with its ability to continue to deliver the services that Ontarians require - services that are supported by modern infrastructure."  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.

CDAO urges the Government of Ontario to maintain infrastructure investment levels as committed in the 10-Year Infrastructure Plan. 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.  It would be detrimental to all Ontarian's and our economic future if the Budget announces cuts to planned infrastructure spending.

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 Construction Association (OSWCA)
Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)
Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO)
Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON)

Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO) at 905-629-7766