Canada’s construction economists are calling attention to oversights by the federal government that have hindered housing development, highlighting the need for urgent reforms to address the housing affordability crisis.
At a press conference today, the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS), representing Professional Quantity Surveyors (PQS) and Construction Estimators Certified (CEC), pointed to the federal government’s gaps in ensuring Canada’s future infrastructure adheres to contemporary, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly standards.
Deficiencies, they say, stem primarily from the government’s limited engagement with industry professionals who are skilled in evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of upcoming construction initiatives.
“While the federal government has pledged over $20 billion towards green infrastructure initiatives, they must also guarantee the cost-effectiveness of these projects and a net-zero focus for future Canadian infrastructure,” said Sheila Lennon, CAE and CEO of CIQS. “The expertise of construction economists is pivotal in bridging this developmental gap.”
“Our role is crucial in optimizing developers’ time, funds, and resources,” said Tammy Stockley, PQS(F) and CIQS Vice Chair. “Investments should assure costs and deliver maximum value to taxpayers. Now, as the focus shifts to major public infrastructure projects, Canadians deserve to see their tax money’s worth. We stand ready to bolster climate resilience, emissions reduction, economic greening, and the creation of quality middle-class employment opportunities.”
CIQS is also calling out the government for delaying the enactment of the Federal Prompt Payment for Construction Work Act, which was green-lit in 2019 and designed to ensure timely payments to contractors and subcontractors. The Act, the say, is crucial in upholding financial stability and fostering mutual trust in the ecosystem. A cornerstone of the nation’s economy, the construction industry contributes to over 7 per cent of the GDP and employs over 1.5 million Canadians.
CIQS is a self-regulatory, professional body and the gatekeeper of the ethics and standards for construction and infrastructure economics in Canada. It is a national professional organization that currently represents over 2,000 construction cost professionals.
