Infrastructure Professionals Urged to Meet High Performance Expectations at Toronto Conference

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At the recent Canada’s Infrastructure Conference in Toronto, industry leaders emphasized the urgent need for effective project delivery as the federal government outlines its ambitious infrastructure agenda.

At a recent conference in Toronto, Canadian infrastructure professionals received a stark reminder of the heightened performance expectations facing their sector. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is counting on these professionals to swiftly and successfully implement a wide range of nation-building projects. Keynote speaker Bob Rae, the former premier of Ontario and a recent ambassador to the United Nations, stressed that failure to deliver is simply not an option. "My message is: This isn’t something that’s nice to have, or we’re doing this because it sounds good," Rae stated during his opening address at Canada’s Infrastructure Conference. "The program that the government is trying to lead is a program that is absolutely essential for the sovereignty and survival of our country. It’s that simple."
The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) hosted the conference on November 9 and 10, where the first three sessions on the opening day focused on defining the challenges and establishing principles for success. CCPPP CEO Lisa Mitchell welcomed delegates, and Rae participated in a fireside chat, followed by a panel discussion featuring former cabinet minister Lisa Raitt, Amico COO Ricardo Ferreras, and Tlicho Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, who tackled the pressing question of how to realize Canada’s build agenda.
Mitchell highlighted the necessity of cutting through the confusion surrounding infrastructure projects. She emphasized that a robust and resilient national infrastructure pipeline cannot merely consist of announcements and proposed projects; it requires clear priorities, realistic sequencing, an understanding of how projects interconnect, and an awareness of the sector’s capacity to deliver. Furthermore, she called for governments to leverage the private sector's expertise, innovation, and capital as partners in crafting solutions.
Ferreras pointed to the significant cost disparity in building projects in Canada compared to Europe, particularly in southern regions. He remarked, "Some reasons justify high costs. Other reasons require us to examine how we can deliver projects in Canada at a lower cost and a faster pace. It can be done. We just need to review all our ways of doing things and learn from other geographies to see what can be implemented here."
Raitt, now an advisor with CIBC, urged the establishment of a dedicated strike force to oversee major project delivery following cabinet approvals. She proposed that the prime minister replicate the success of the Major Projects Office by creating a specialized office focused on ensuring effective project delivery, including collaboration with various stakeholders involved in these initiatives.
Rae acknowledged the pivotal role of Carney, stating that the prime minister is more committed to this vision than any previous leader in generations. However, he noted that strong allies are essential for success. "We have a federal government whose leader is capable of delivering the level of commitment required for this challenging moment," he explained. "But every leader needs people who are willing to walk with them and form unparalleled partnerships."
Addressing the need for a cultural shift, Rae remarked on the necessity of overcoming cynicism, stating, "We are going to succeed, but we all have to understand that we’re part of the solution. It’s a psychological shift for many, as being cynical and waiting for someone else to act is a common Canadian habit we need to break."
Raitt pointed out the complexities facing the government, with numerous new agencies and project entities in play. Carney recognizes the need for a new team of professionals from outside the existing bureaucracy to achieve the government's goals. "If I want to get from here to there, I need a new team that brings a different perspective than just filling in forms," she noted.
In closing, Rae invoked the words of Jewish scholar Hillel, stating, "If not now, when?" He emphasized the urgency of the moment, declaring, "This is not just a moment of opportunity; it is a moment of necessity. We have delayed too long and waited for perfection, and now is the time to act."

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