Much like here in the United States, politicians are calling on the Canadian government to step in and help municipalities struggling to maintain infrastructure. Officials say, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, funds are desperately needed for repair projects and the building of new buildings and roads.
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) released a video calling on the federal and provincial governments to take urgent action so projects can be funded in 2021.
You can see that video here.
The presentation paints a gloom outlook for Canadians if money isn't pumped in to help float construction work in 2021. The report, commissioned by RCCAO, looked at the possible impact of cancelling construction projects to repair structures like schools and hospitals. The study concluded 117,000 construction jobs would be lost.
Some officials say Ontario contractors report project tenders are already down, and hundreds of construction workers have already been laid off.
While few will argue cities in both Canada and the U.S. need funding to keep infrastructure and the economy healthy, the questions immediately asked are, how much will tax payers have to chip in, and what kind of projects will the funds ultimately be used for?
City officials say, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are forced to use capital funds to balance the budgets. Some might argue, these municipalities didn't save for a rainy day, therefore they'll simply have to suffer the consequences.
Others will argue neglecting the need for repairs will further hurt the economy and put lives at risk.
