National trade infrastructure plan key to economic growth

The Canada West Foundation joined a coalition of leaders from business, agriculture, manufacturing and construction to send a joint letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, urging him to endorse the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP) — a blueprint for long-term, strategic investment in the trade infrastructure Canada’s economy urgently needs.

Download the Letter

With interprovincial barriers under pressure and global competition intensifying, CTIP is a nation-building opportunity that will:

  • Drive trade-based growth
  • Lower emissions
  • Diversify export markets
  • Restore Canada’s global reputation

Letter was released the same day First Ministers, at their June 2 meeting, issued a statement which acknowledged nation-building infrastructure and corridors were critical for “driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security, and economic competitiveness.”

For more than a decade, the Canada West Foundation has been researching best practices to build a robust trade infrastructure system. We believe that while increased funding dedicated specifically to trade corridor infrastructure is required, it alone is not the answer.

It is critical that Canada follow the practices of competitor countries and work toward an ongoing intelligence-based national plan for Canada’s trade corridor infrastructure. Our 2022 report, Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy, offers seven building blocks to help move the country toward a national plan.

Must reads from CWF:

REPORT | From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth
John Law with Carlo Dade
May 2022

WHAT NOW? Policy Brief | The West wants in the Indo-Pacific
Carlo Dade and Sharon Zhengyang Sun
December 2022

SUBMISSION | National Infrastructure Assessment
John Law and Carlo Dade
July 2021

WHAT NOW? Policy Brief | Building a Bridge to Trade Opportunities: A long-term approach to trade infrastructure planning
Carlo Dade and John Law
October 2019

SUMMARY | Strategic Trade Infrastructure Roundtable
Naomi Christensen, John Law and Carlo Dade
February 2017

REPORT | Some Assembly Required: Cross-border infrastructure that creates jobs and growth
Shafak Sajid and Carlo Dade
November 2016

REPORT | The Infrastructure that Matters Most
Canadian Chamber of Commerce,  John Law
July 2016

REPORT | Building on Advantage: Improving Canada’s trade infrastructure
John Law and Carlo Dade with Mike Holden
November 2014

REPORT | At the Intersection: The Case for Sustained and Strategic Public Infrastructure Investment
Mike Holden and Casey Vander Ploeg
February 2013