Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO) has grave concerns with the Premier's announcement to cancel the provinces infrastrucutre spending programs

TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - The Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO) has grave concerns regarding the announcement that Premier McGuinty made at the ROMA/OGRA conference on February 27, 2012.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty warned municipal leaders at the ROMA/OGRA conference on Monday that billions of dollars previously earmarked for infrastructure projects are no longer available and that infrastructure programs have been cancelled.

"I have to support our economic advantage - the skills and education of our people - and sacrifice the infrastructure fund. That's why we chose not to move forward this year with a new permanent fund for roads and bridges with the federal government," McGuinty said during a speech to association members.

The Conference Board of Canada clearly states that every real dollar spent on public infrastructure generates a $1.11 increase in economic output.  "This funding was available to address the infrastructure deficit with the intent of supporting the Ontario economy and creating much needed jobs in the province and the cancellation of these programs is very disappointing." said Joe Accardi, CDAO Chair.

In mid-February, just before the release of the Drummond Report, CDAO met with Minister Chiarelli to stress the importance of addressing the ever growing infrastructure deficit. CDAO noted that without stable funding the infrastructure deficit will continue to grow at a rapid rate. It is vital to establish an economic balance between infrastructure investment and the $16 billion deficit reduction to ensure sustainable public services and public safety in Ontario. CDAO was pleased to see that Drummond Report recognized the importance of infrastructure investment and is disappointed that the Premier is choosing this recommendation to ignore. Finally, CDAO believes that it is important for all three levels of government to align their priorities under the weight of deficit reduction, a statement in which Minister Chiarelli supported during the meeting. The Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli promised that the sudden change in direction by McGuinty would not compromise public safety, but CDAO is not sure how that can be accomplished.

The CDAO is composed of the major construction and design organizations involved in delivering infrastructure across Ontario. These associations provide technical advice and industry support for design and construction information to Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure and other ministries involved in the process.

Member organizations 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 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)
• Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA)

OSWCA at 905-629-7766