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24 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 23, 2009 industry news reflects the broad consensus that industry can respond immediately to government's readiness to ramp up infrastructure investments. "Increased infrastructure investment is the most beneficial action governments can take to spur the economy," says Andy Manahan, Executive Director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario. "Ultimately, the construction industry can lead Ontario out of this recession with government investment," says Manahan. Cutting red tape www.oakvillebeaver.com A message from Stephen Dupuis President and CEO of BILD The chorus of voices singing the praises of infrastructure as the top priority for the pending federal budget has grown dramatically with over 60 representatives from a wide cross-section of labour and construction management organizations urging all levels of government to act now and make a substantial investment in infrastructure to help stimulate the economy. The industry group, of which the Building Industry and Land Development Association, the Ontario Home Builders' Association, the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association, the Labourers International Union of North America (Local 183), RESCON and many others, are a part, is stressing that the timing is ideal for government to invest in infrastructure to generate economic growth and job creation while building core assets that will serve Ontarians for decades to come. The unprecedented gathering last Friday of such a wide range of construction and infrastructure organizations money on short-term and long-term infrastructure projects is crucial during turbulent economic times, such as: · Most construction projects result in jobs which are generated locally and regionally · Eighty per cent of materials and resources used in construction are locally-based. · Constructing core infrastructure is key to enhancing productivity growth and attracting foreign investment · Investment in infrastructure will bolster environmental efforts including reducing gridlock and associated greenhouse gas emissions · Creating opportunities for further innovation in technology, materials and systems. · The high visibility of infrastructure projects will instill consumer confidence, the lack of which is a large part of the current problems we collectively face. Federal investments and programs should take into account the decline in the Ontario manufacturing sector by Stephen Dupuis making relatively larger investments in southern and central Ontario where road and highway networks are crucial to goods movement and continued trade with the United States. Civilized society "Rationalization of the regulatory regime must be accomplished in order to achieve the goal of fast-tracking priority infrastructure projects," Manahan adds, a point on which BILD wholeheartedly agrees. Construction investments in roads, transit, sewer and water infrastructure have historically generated large multiplier effects beyond direct job creation. There are many reasons why spending "If governments remain steadfast in their commitment to jump start infrastructure investments now, then the construction sector can deliver," adds Michael O'Brien of Local 183. "Infrastructure investment in Ontario, and Canada for that matter, has been falling behind over many decades. There are real opportunities, right now, for the government to take positive steps by replacing, renewing and expanding the basic backbone of a civilized society ­ a workable infrastructure." Once government commitments have been made, the industry as a whole will be ready to work in partnership with all levels of government to do its part in reviving the economy during this challenging time. $ 20,000 in FREE UPGRADES 18 cu ft STAINLESS STEEL FRIDGE!* STAINLESS STEEL SELF-CLEAN RANGE!* STUNNING GRANITE COUNTERTOPS!* GORGEOUS HARDWOOD FLOORS!* STAINLESS STEEL BUILT-IN DISHWASHER! AND EXCITING VALUE-ADDED EXTRAS! A limited collection of contemporary townhomes loaded with great features. ARTIST CONCEPT GET MUCH MORE FROM JUST SALES OFFICE: $ *Limited time offer. May be cancelled or changed at any time. Kitchen may be different than shown. 299 900 1624 sq.ft. INCLUDES GST 2073 TOVELL DR., OAKVILLE. SITE (905) 847.8333 Tim or Tom Parsons SALES REPRESENTATIVES EXCLUSIVE AGENTS www.dawnvictoria.com Sutton Group Quantum Realty Inc., Broker email:parsonsgroup@idirect.com