Media Statement - CCPPP Responds to Misleading Commentary in Report on Canada's Infrastructure Gap

TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) disagrees with conclusions against public-private partnerships presented as part of a newly released report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) on Canada's Infrastructure Gap. The study, which pinpoints Canada's infrastructure deficit at $145 billion and identifies chronic underfunding by government as the cause, recommends that governments resist the tendency to use infrastructure funding as a lever to promote, among other things, public-private partnerships.

Mark Romoff, President and CEO of CCPPP, is not surprised by the report's finding that Canada has a significant infrastructure deficit, and notes, "This is not a unique problem to Canada. Globally, we are facing an infrastructure deficit estimated to be upwards of $57 trillion. And, while we appreciate that the CCPA's report brings focus to the serious issue of Canada's infrastructure deficit, the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships disagrees with the author's conclusions. Effectively addressing our infrastructure deficit, particularly given current fiscal challenges, requires governments to look at innovative approaches to infrastructure development and service delivery such as those offered by the P3 model available in Canada." says Romoff.

Contrary to the report's commentary, Canada is considered to be a leader in its approach to P3s and is recognized internationally for its P3 procurement efficiencies, transparency of processes and good governance practices, says Romoff. Independent research from respected sources such as The Conference Board of Canada, have also pointed to the numerous benefits of P3s in addressing critical infrastructure issues.

While the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships acknowledges that P3s are not always the right answer - decision makers have to look at all of the procurement options available to them and make the right decision - the member-based, non-partisan organization does stress the importance of increased education and awareness around P3s. "Our research shows that addressing Canada's infrastructure deficit is critical to growing our economic prosperity and improving our competitiveness on the global stage. We need more dialogue around the benefits of P3s, not only as a viable approach but a necessary solution to overcoming mounting challenges, such as the infrastructure deficit, that threaten both the Canadian economy and quality of life," says Romoff.

"Solutions to those challenges are made ever more complex by misperceptions and myths around the P3 model."

About the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships: Established in 1993, CCPPP is a national not-for-profit, non-partisan, member-based organization with broad representation from across the public and private sectors. Its mission is to promote innovative approaches to infrastructure development and service delivery through public-private partnerships with all levels of government. The Council is a proponent of evidence-based public policy in support of P3s, facilitates the adoption of international best practices, and educates stakeholders and the community on the economic and social benefits of public-private partnerships. The Council organizes an annual conference that is recognized internationally as the premier forum bringing together senior government and business leaders in the P3 community at which the most successful Canadian public-private partnerships are celebrated through CCPPP's National Awards for Innovation and Excellence.

SOURCE: Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships

For more information or to schedule an interview with Mark Romoff contact:

Carla Walmsley
The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships
[phone]