Ontario budget supports continuing infrastructure investment
- Consulting Engineers of Ontario questions the government's plan to bring engineering services in-house-
TORONTO, March 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Ontario's consulting engineers are pleased with yesterday's provincial budget announcement about infrastructure funding levels.
The province announced it will maintain spending for infrastructure at $35 billion over the next three years. "Finance Minister Dwight Duncan's decision to maintain infrastructure spending for now is a good one," said Barry Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer of Consulting Engineers of Ontario (CEO). "Investing in infrastructure stimulates our economy and creates jobs. While we understand Premier McGuinty and Minister Duncan are under immense pressure to address the budget deficit, cutting infrastructure funding will cost more money in the long term."
The budget also announced that the Ministry of Transportation will return certain contract oversight and engineering services in-house. "CEO has long believed that the consulting engineering sector brings value for money to citizens of Ontario," said Mr. Steinberg. "We question the wisdom of that decision and the criteria being used to determine the value for money."
Mr. Steinberg delivered a deputation to Finance Minister Dwight Duncan during his pre-budget consultations on December 13, 2011, stressing the importance of reinvestment into the province's electrical, water and waste water assets to help reduce a growing infrastructure deficit.
Consulting Engineers of Ontario is a non-profit association representing over 220 engineering firms across Ontario employing over 18,000 people who contribute to its economic, environmental and social quality of life. For more information go to www.ceo.on.ca.
For media inquiries contact: Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs Inc.
Kaitlynn Dodge 416-484-1132 ext. 5 [email protected].
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