Decades of complacency and neglect have left Canada with a concerning infrastructure deficit. While recent investments in infrastructure by governments and the private sector have had a positive impact, significant risks and challenges remain which if not adequately addressed, could have consequences for Canada’s economic competitiveness.
The Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management (LNC) at the Ivey Business School is focusing its research on this important and complex policy area that impacts citizens across the country and a wide range of stakeholders. LNC is launching its research with a discussion paper entitled Moving Canada’s Economic Infrastructure Forward: Addressing Six Risks to Timely, Economical, and Prudent Project Selection and Delivery that examines the significant risks associated with the development of critical public and private infrastructure projects in Canada.
Relying on carefully reasoned analysis, LNC has identified six categories of risk that need to be addressed in order to meet the infrastructure requirements for Canada's 21st century economy:
- Political and Regulatory Risk
- Governance Risk
- Funding and Financing Risk
- Industry Capacity Risk
- Innovation and Technology Risk
- Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Risk
"Our hope is to engage business and government leaders and to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve Canada’s ambitious infrastructure agenda and to realize the country’s enormous economic potential," Mahmood Nanji, Director, Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management. "The risks that are involved with an endeavour of this scope are significant. This discussion paper identifies ways in which we can advance Canada’s infrastructure agenda by addressing risks to timely, economical and diligent project selection and delivery."
The discussion paper has been intentionally framed to identify issues and pose questions rather than prescribe solutions or propose recommendations. The Centre is planning an event in the coming months where the paper will be discussed and debated.
For more information about LNC’s upcoming infrastructure research or to schedule an interview with LNC Director Mahmood Nanji, please contact Ivan Langrish, Associate Director, Media Strategy at ilangrish@ivey.ca or 416-203-0664.
About the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management
The Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management is an independent public policy centre that focuses on bridging the gap between business strategy and government policy to contribute to Canada’s global competitiveness. Since its establishment in 2002, the Centre has contributed significantly to policy dialogue and development across several policy areas by hosting various forums, preparing research papers and reports and leading educational programs.
About the Ivey Business School, Western University
The Ivey Business School at Western University is Canada’s leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provide the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today’s complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as Executive Development at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.
