BREAKING: New coalition launches to champion Canada’s infrastructure economy

Nine national organizations have joined forces and are launching the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card (CIRC) Coalition. This network of infrastructure-focused organizations consists of local governments, engineers, builders, transit systems, asset managers, parks and recreation leaders, public works professionals and the municipal water sector.

Together, these organizations plan and spend billions of dollars on infrastructure investments each year.

CIRC Coalition Members:

• Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Association of Consulting Engineering Companies
• Canadian Construction Association
• Canada Urban Transit Association
• Canadian Network of Asset Managers
• Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
• Canadian Public Works Association
• Canadian Society for Civil Engineering
• Canadian Water and Wastewater Association

“Municipal infrastructure is the backbone of the Canadian economy. Leaving it in poor condition undermines Canada’s long-term economic strength. With the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card Coalition, FCM calls for stronger infrastructure that supports trade, housing, defense and community well-being,” said Tim Tierney, president, Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Canada’s local infrastructure is the foundation to the federal governments’ ambitious, nation-building agenda and strong, healthy communities. However, 11 percent of core public infrastructure is rated in poor or very poor condition, representing approximately $237 billion in backlog repair costs.

 “Investment in infrastructure is an investment in Canadians. We will not build the housing we need or achieve our economic ambitions without sound, evidence-based decisions about where and how we invest. The Canadian Infrastructure Report Card will provide the reliable data we need to set priorities, manage assets wisely and deliver lasting value for Canadians and for our communities,” said John Gamble, president and CEO, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies.

The Coalition produces the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card, Canada’s leading assessment of the condition of local infrastructure. Based on data collected through Statistics Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey, the report card has helped decision-makers understand infrastructure needs across the country. The upcoming edition, expected in early 2027, will be the first Canadian Infrastructure Report Card released since 2019, providing a renewed national picture of the condition of Canada’s local infrastructure.

Meanwhile, to help close infrastructure gaps and build a stronger Canadian economy, the Coalition is urging the next federal budget to:

• Increase long-term, predictable infrastructure funding to close the current infrastructure deficit and address immediate needs.
• Address workforce shortage gaps to ensure infrastructure projects have the workers needed to stay on track without delay, including employment pathways for youth and post-secondary education;
• Continue supporting important infrastructure assessment work being conducted by the Canadian Infrastructure Council (CIC) and leverage the assessments through data-driven research to establish a long-term strategy to address infrastructure planning and funding; and
• Support municipal capacity development in asset management planning, especially for small and rural communities to improve decision-making and lower costs.

“Strong infrastructure starts with good information. The Canadian Infrastructure Report Card will help identify where investments are needed most and support better decisions on funding, procurement and workforce capacity to move important projects from planning to construction,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president, Canadian Construction Association.

Featured image: (Metrolinx)