September 30, 2014
First Annual Report on Manitoba's Core Infrastructure Investments Shows $115-million Increase for Better Roads, Bridges, Flood Protection
– – –New Innovation Council Formed to Accelerate Road Construction: Ministers
The Manitoba government released a new annual report detailing increased investments in core infrastructure supported by new PST revenue, Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald and Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today.
“By investing in core infrastructure we’re not only building better highways, we’re also making our economy even stronger and creating good paying jobs for families right across this province,” said Minister Oswald. “As a parent, I know we all share the same wish that our kids grow up and get good jobs here in Manitoba. By targeting our investments in infrastructure renewal and job creation we’re building that future today.”
“We’re listening to Manitobans, and their priorities are better roads, bridges and flood defences,” said Minister Ashton. “This new report shows exactly where our historic investments are going.”
The report, Manitoba’s Core Infrastructure Investments, shows the Manitoba government invested a total of $844 million in core infrastructure in 2013-14, an increase of $115 million over the previous year. These investments not only improved highways, bridges and other infrastructure, noted Minister Oswald, but also created opportunities for Manitoba families by stimulating the economy.
In an independent report released today, the Conference Board of Canada reviewed core infrastructure spending last year and found the Manitoba government’s investments were:
- creating 8,164 jobs,
- boosting the economy by $1.1 billion, and
- increasing exports by $586 million.
Minister Oswald said the new report meets a government commitment to be open and accountable on matching new revenue from the one-point PST increase with new investments in core infrastructure. As projected several months ago, 2013-14 was a ramp-up year for the construction industry and accordingly, an under-investment of $75 million is carried forward and included in the province’s five-year, $5.5-billion core infrastructure plan, the minister added.
The ministers also announced the formation of a new Infrastructure Innovations Council. The council, created in partnership with the Manitoba government and the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, will help accelerate road construction, build capacity in the industry and meet core infrastructure investment targets. The council will also provide feedback to government along with advice on how to more efficiently manage projects.
“The purpose of the new Infrastructure Innovations Council – to our knowledge a first of its kind in Canada – will be to help position Manitoba as Canada’s centre of excellence for innovation, design, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation in core infrastructure. The experience gained will not only add competitive value to public budgets, but help create a knowledge based export for Manitoba engineering and construction companies,” said Chris Lorenc, president, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association.
The new council builds on several changes the province has already made to accelerate construction work based on advice from the industry, Minister Ashton said, noting this includes tendering highway projects earlier and releasing a multi-year list of upcoming projects to help construction firms build their capacity and workforce sooner to meet demand.
The new core infrastructure report and analysis by the Conference Board of Canada are available at www.steadygrowth.ca.
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