Infrastructure Policy Council

Infrastructure continues to be a priority for Ontario as a means for job creation and sustainable economic growth. Recent federal and provincial investment commitments underscore infrastructure’s pivotal role in boosting productivity and fostering post-pandemic economic recovery.

Advancements in Industry 4.0, 5G, IoT, digital infrastructure, decarbonization, and electrification are increasingly shaping our economy, further highlighting the importance of competitive regional infrastructure.

Strategic investments in housing, utilities, broadband, transportation, and other critical infrastructure are crucial for securing Ontario’s economic success, alongside policies that promote streamlining, climate resilience, future readiness, reconciliation, effective land use planning, and the efficient utilization of built environments.

The Infrastructure Policy Council (IPC) will steer advocacy efforts on these fronts, ensuring that investments align with Ontario’s long-term economic growth and resilience goals. The council is chaired by Ester Gerassime, Senior Economic Analyst, OCC.

Recent Highlights:

• Supply Chain Disruptions and Delays (policy primer)
• Consultation on a draft regulation proposal to specify large project locate requests under the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012 (Proposal: 23-
  MPBSD013) (submission)
• Feedback on Bill 153, the Building Infrastructure Safely Act, 2023 (submission)
• Ontario Budget Submission and Federal Budget Submission
• Investing in Northern Ontario’s Highway Infrastructure (letter)

2024 Policy & Advocacy Priorities:

• Expanding Ontario’s Broadband Infrastructure: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of access to highspeed broadband for day-to-day business operations. In today’s economy, businesses rely heavily on online marketplaces to expand their market access to grow and thrive. Through the council’s Broadband Subcommittee, we look to support efforts by all levels of government to connect all Ontarians to reliable high-speed internet and meet the Province’s 2025 goals.
• Investing in Climate-resilient Natural Infrastructure: Investments in nature are one of the most cost-effective ways to address climate change and manage of extreme weather events’ impacts. Public infrastructure, and the state of repair of that infrastructure, have a direct impact on communities, facilitating the day-to-day operation of the economy and society and providing the capacity to deal with challenges that arise.
• Modernize Ontario’s supply chains and public sector procurement: As supply chain backlogs and disruptions continue to constrain business operations in Ontario, immediate relief and long-term infrastructure investments are critical to ensuring the timely and reliable movement of goods. Additionally, procurement modernization is a major opportunity to transform health care and other public services, build more resilient supply chains, and improve value and outcomes for Ontarians.

Founding members of the Council include: