The article discusses how Canada’s approach to infrastructure spending, particularly in the area of trade infrastructure, is hindering its ability to improve its ranking in global assessments. The author, Carlo Dade, argues that Canada’s reliance on a "shovel ready" approach to infrastructure spending, where projects are chosen based on their readiness for funding rather than their long-term value or potential return on investment, is the main reason behind Canada’s decline.
Dade notes that other countries such as the EU, UK, and Australia have successfully implemented long-term national plans to manage large transport infrastructure projects. In contrast, Canada lacks coherent, institutionalized long-term co-ordination and planning, which has led to inefficiencies in its trade infrastructure.
The article highlights several key points:
- Lack of long-term planning: Canada’s approach to infrastructure spending is short-sighted, focusing on quick fixes rather than investing in projects that will have a lasting impact.
- Inadequate co-ordination and planning: Unlike other countries, Canada does not have a centralized authority responsible for overseeing trade infrastructure projects, leading to inefficiencies and duplication of efforts.
- Insufficient private sector involvement: The private sector is not adequately engaged in the development and implementation of trade infrastructure projects, which can lead to missed opportunities for innovation and cost savings.
To address these issues, Dade recommends that Canada adopt a "shovel worthy" approach, where investments are guided by long-term plans and co-ordinated efforts. He also suggests bringing in the private sector as partners rather than just consultees, leveraging their expertise and knowledge to inform decision-making.
The article concludes by noting that solving Canada’s trade infrastructure challenges is achievable, citing a report from the Canada West Foundation that outlines steps the country can take to climb back up in global rankings.