Western Canada is struggling to have its voice heard.
From officials in provincial government offices to farmers in canola fields, bending an ear to anyone east of Manitoba has its challenges.
Our industry is not immune to alienation.
This is why I, along with my counterparts in B.C., Alberta and Manitoba, are collaborating on a policy paper that overall highlights a national importance of the economic impact that our sector brings to the table.
Together, our association, the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association and B.C. Road Builders have a vision for western and national economic growth.
We want this policy paper to have a national scope. But it definitely will a possess a distinct Western Canada flavour. This paper will signify the importance of the West in terms of the larger picture.
Our friends at the Canada West Foundation, with years of experience in building a framework similar to the tone we have in mind, will work to put together this document.
It is our hope this policy paper will spur discussions at the federal level in terms of the economy and the importance of investing in trade-enabling infrastructure.
Western Canada is rich with natural resources, but our country’s global reputation as a reliable trading partner is at serious risk.
Our country needs the full vigor of Western Canada’s economy for the health of the nation. Western Canada contributes nearly 38 per cent of Canada’s real gross domestic product. The western provinces contribute 37 per cent of Canada’s exports.
The return on investment in trade-enabling infrastructure is well documented. It is essential to our national, regional, provincial and local advocacy efforts to assemble the business case into this policy paper.
Growing the economy needs to be our first priority at each level of government. Without a healthy economy, other areas will suffer when it comes to funding critical services and reaching environmental stability.
This paper will have the opportunity to deliver a compelling message, one that we hope will influence public opinion.