December 20, 2012 -

As we approach the Holiday Season, this is the time to think of wishes for the New Year. Many will probably share my wish, one of predictable and stable funding to sustain municipal infrastructure! Wishful thinking? As little as a few years ago I would have said "highly unlikely", but these are different times. We are now seeing unprecedented levels of interest, and dare I say commitment, on the part of all levels of government to addressing our infrastructure funding challenges. Municipalities are building their asset management capabilities demonstrating an increased level of commitment to better practices and improved decision-making.  Some of the provincial governments are providing funding and guidelines to support smaller municipalities build their asset management capabilities, and through ongoing consultations the federal government has demonstrated a genuine interest in establishing a long term investment strategy to support municipalities.

All of these elements point in the right direction: making infrastructure a national economic priority. This can be achieved by building the capacity and stability that is needed to allow project level decisions to be managed at the local level. Through Building Canada municipalities have demonstrated their ability to deliver on the funding opportunities. Now is the time to provide municipalities with the funding support and the accountability that will improve the overall effectiveness and productivity of renewing this country's infrastructure.

As a national organization, we are well positioned to support this journey.

May our wish come through!

Happy Holidays!

Alain Gonthier, P.Eng.

Chair, Canadian Network of Asset Managers