The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) are calling on Canada’s federal government to boost infrastructure spending.
In a recent letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, AED outlines how infrastructure spending will help boost the economy as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter asks Trudeau to expedite spending to support the 2020 construction season as well as consider future investments in construction.
“Investing in infrastructure is the best way for the government to stimulate the economy while benefitting all Canadians,” Brian P. McGuire, president and CEO of AED said in the letter.
“Nearly every economic sector and citizen gains from upgrading and constructing roads, bridges, broadband, water systems and other projects. From retailers and farmers to restaurants and medical workers, infrastructure is the smart investment now and well into the future.”
In the letter to Trudeau, McGuire also voices AED’s support for a proposal from Public Services and Procurement Canada to stimulate the economy with a focus on delivering new federal infrastructure projects.
“AED strongly supports a prompt review and the expedited delivery of the funds to support the construction sector during the current 2020 construction season,” McGuire said.
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Supporting AED’s request is a recent Parliamentary Budget Officer report that outlines the government’s failure to distribute Investing in Canada Plan dollars in a timely manner.
However, McGuire also praises the government on its infrastructure investments to date.
I want to commend your government’s historic investments in infrastructure through the Investing in Canada plan,” he said. “This initiative has allowed key projects across Canada to be funded, spurring economic growth and supporting the employment thousands of Canadians.”
AED is an international trade association representing companies that sell, rent, service and manufacture construction, mining, farm, energy, forestry and industrial equipment and related supplies.
The Canadian equipment distribution industry, which is mainly small and medium-sized businesses, has more than 420 locations across the country that employ more than 27,000 workers and account for at least $8 billion in annual economic activity.
