August 10, 2010

Cabinet shuffle

Baird’s leadersip was key to stimulus program: Canadian Construction Association

VINCE VERSACE

staff writer

With infrastructure minister John Baird appointed to a new federal post, the Canadian Construction Association says his leadership was key in helping implement Canada’s stimulus plan.

“When you think of the ability he and his department showed in putting together, very quickly, the infrastructure for the infrastructure stimulus program, it was pretty impressive,” said Michael Atkinson, president of CCA. “How quickly they put in place the program criteria and got approvals going is to be commended.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently announced that Baird, Canada’s federal infrastructure minister, will now succeed Jay Hill as Government House leader. Hill was replaced because he had announced he would not stand as a candidate in the next general election.

Harper pointed to Baird’s track record of overseeing the implementation of the federal infrastructure stimulus program, securing passage of the Federal Accountability Act and his work as Minister of the Environment as reasons for his new appointment.

“I have given John a very clear mandate — to make Parliament work. To make sure we stay the course at this time of global uncertainty,” Harper said in a statement.

“John is trusted and respected by his colleagues, with a deserved reputation for getting things done.”

As a result of Baird’s new appointment Chuck Strahl will now become Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Strahl moves over from the Ministry of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Harper said Strahl is prepared for his new position.

“In his new position, Chuck will drive progress on thousands of economic stimulus projects across Canada – projects to provide jobs, to lay the foundation for future growth and to give new hope to working Canadians,” stated Harper.

Atkinson recalled how Baird contacted CCA after he had been appointed federal infrastructure minister and he looks forward to developing the same positive relations with Strahl. Among the issues CCA will discuss with Strahl and his department is what happens to infrastructure in the post-stimulus era when the stimulus program ends March 2011.

“The only permanent infrastructure measure, given that the Building Canada Fund ends 2014, is the $2 billion gas tax transfer,” said Atkinson. “We want to get dialogue going with all levels of government about the need for a long-term plan for Canada’s key infrastructure. It is not just one government’s role or mandate; it will take a partnership of all levels of government.”

During his tenure as infrastructure minister both Baird and the federal government came under heavy fire about the spring 2011 stimulus funding deadline. CCA has not asked for an extension of the deadline but for flexibility on a case-by-case basis.

“An extension would be somewhat unfair for some of the municipalities who had to forego projects because of the deadline or made changes to the scope of their projects to meet the deadline,” said Atkinson.

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