Government of Canada and Canadian Standards Association Partner to Improve Infrastructure

Infrastructure Solutions Project to Give Canadians Stronger, Safer, Better Infrastructure

Ottawa, Ontario, August 6, 2008 - Canadians will benefit from infrastructure that is better planned and managed as a result of an agreement between the Government of Canada and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Drawing on its expertise in standards setting and training, the CSA will provide innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges through the development of best practice guides, new standards, and training modules for the practitioners responsible for most of our infrastructure. This initiative will provide municipalities with additional expert knowledge and advice in developing and managing the strongest, safest and best infrastructure possible. The Infrastructure Solutions Project will result in more effective and cost-efficient infrastructure projects – saving taxpayers' dollars while improving our vital infrastructure.

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with Suzanne Kiraly, President, Standards, CSA, today announced that the Government of Canada is providing up to $1.5 million towards this initiative through its first two years of operation.

"As infrastructure funding has reached a historic level in Canada with this Government's $33 billion infrastructure plan Building Canada, this partnership will provide municipalities with the expertise they need to build modern, world-class public infrastructure," said Minister Cannon. "The Infrastructure Solutions Project will provide the tools to address several infrastructure challenges, including responding to population growth and addressing increasing stress on storm water systems caused by changing weather patterns. With this new program, we are delivering on our Government's commitment for a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and better communities."

CSA will coordinate volunteer experts to develop these tools for municipalities which reflect the issues and concerns of today's infrastructure planners and managers. A key goal is to update management practices and foster skills development within municipalities to ensure our infrastructure is designed for and adapted to a changing climate.

"CSA's extensive history and expertise in developing infrastructure standards makes it ideally suited to work with the Government of Canada to deliver innovative solutions" said Ms. Kiraly, President, Standards, CSA. "We welcome the opportunity to collaborate on this important project with Infrastructure Canada that will lead to the delivery of standardized approaches and consensus standards, along with guidelines and training products to help cities and towns across Canada."

The Infrastructure Solutions Project will be administered and marketed by CSA. Municipalities and municipal service providers should be able to access the Infrastructure Solutions Project's first training modules by early 2009. Additional partnership and funding opportunities will also be sought from stakeholders that wish to support the long term sustainability of the Project.

Building Canada is the Government of Canada's unprecedented $33 billion infrastructure plan – the largest single federal commitment for provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure in Canadian history. Through Building Canada, the Government is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across the country. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country. For more information on the Building Canada plan, please visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a membership association serving industry, government, consumers and other interested parties in Canada and the global marketplace. As a leading solutions-based standards organization, providing standards and codes development, application products, training and advisory services, CSA aims to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, preserve the environment and facilitate trade. For more information visit www.csa.ca.

Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
(613) 991-0700

Anthony Toderian
Senior Media Relations Officer
CSA Group
(416) 747-2620
anthony.toderian@csagroup.org

Infrastructure Canada
(613) 948-1148