OSPE - COVID-19 Economic Recovery Recommendations - Federal Government - 3

Immediate Recommendations
1. Work with the provinces and municipalities to prioritize investment in sustainable infrastructure,
including pre-design and design activities.
OSPE believes that proper, smart, and prioritized investment in sustainable infrastructure will help alleviate the economic burden the entire country is facing, while decreasing unemployment rates in several critical sectors of the economy.
The government should prioritize the delivery of federal funds to infrastructure projects that are "shovel-worthy" and which have already
undergone regulated municipal asset management plans. By immediately utilizing these plans to select projects for investment, the federal government can work with the provinces to reduce application timelines and ensure a speedy and safe recovery. These projects will
provide a positive return on investment. It is also imperative that infrastructure is built while still supporting a diverse, and inclusive workforce. Sustainable infrastructure must properly involve all Canadians, including women, Indigenous Peoples and other equity seeking
groups.
The federal government should also invest in predesign and design activities. As a precursor to development and construction, design
plays a critical role in preparing projects for permit and construction. These activities employ thousands of individuals, including engineers. Activities like these are essential for steady recovery, since they are needed to move projects forward, and can still be carried out
respecting social distancing practices.

2. Work with the Ontario Government to upgrade and modernize the digital infrastructure that will ensure
businesses and workers succeed.
COVID-19 has showed all of us that technology and high capacity infrastructure is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for both businesses
and consumers to engage in today's economy. Unfortunately, access to high-speed internet is inconsistent or not available to many
Canadians. In rural areas, CRTC data suggest as few as 40.8 per cent of Canadian households have access to high-speed broadband.
This has made working remotely challenging to certain businesses and individuals, having an impact on economic productivity.
In an environment geared towards e-commerce and online learning solutions, we commend the government for prioritizing access to
broadband internet to all Canadians, keeping in mind the need to properly connect remote and rural communities. Once construction
sites open, investment in digital infrastructure will also ensure that certain simple practices and permit issuing is kept online, in order to
help maintain physical distancing protocols.
As digital becomes embedded into business models and operations, it is imperative that all of Canada's engineering companies have the
capacity to operate in the new ecosystem. There is a clear chasm that exists between organizations and companies in their digital
capacity. Funding digitization will enable the government to close some of the gaps that exist and keep business operating and
safeguard engineering jobs in the province.
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OSPE - COVID-19 Economic Recovery Recommendations - Federal Government

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