Spending earmarked for infrastructure in Canada’s budget 2025 has earned a nod of approval from the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED).
AED is the largest trade association in the United States and Canada and a supporter of free trade between the two countries. The association’s executive outlined how the budget measures will impact the competitiveness of the North America infrastructure, construction, agriculture, and mining sectors.
“Overall, our members are pleased to see a far greater seriousness about building a more competitive Canadian economy than in recent Federal Budgets. This approach will strengthen the overall North American economy,” said AED President and CEO Brian McGuire.
Overall AED commended the federal budget for its increased emphasis on overall business growth, investments in overall infrastructure and trade infrastructure, a commitment to faster approval for major projects and the reinstatement of Accelerated Investment Incentive.
“AED members are particularly supportive of the budget’s investments in infrastructure and trade infrastructure,” said Craig Drury, Past Chair of the Board AED and prominent Canadian member.
“Canada was long overdue to invest in infrastructure that can fuel economic growth. Infrastructure investment of $115 billion over five years is a serious approach to powering economic and trade ambitions.”
AED also underscored its support of the announced Federal Major Projects Office, which aims to fast-track nation-building projects and housing construction.
“These are positive announcements and commitments our industry will hold government to account on. It cannot be business as usual on major infrastructure projects. We support this change of direction,” said Canadian AED Board Member, Michael Rugeroni.
“AED also supports the Reinstatement of the Accelerated Investment Incentive, which provides an enhanced first-year write-off for most capital assets.”
AED on trade
Earlier this week, AED also submitted comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as part of its public consultation process in advance of the joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), known as CUSMA in Canada.
In its submission, AED stressed the importance of USMCA and the resulting economic growth and job creation in the United States. Additionally, the comments highlight the positive impact it’s had on the United States equipment industry and the nation’s farmers, ranchers and contractors.
“USMCA is the foundation of North American trade, and equipment dealers, manufacturers and our customers have benefitted immensely from the agreement,” McGuire said. “AED worked closely with the Trump administration and Congress when USMCA was originally ratified, and we look forward to ensuring its renewal as the process moves forward. We urge all parties to reaffirm their commitment to the agreement and reinforce the vital, trilateral economic relationship.”
