Consultation held with Commission on draft legislation safeguarding workers from radiation hazards

Consultation held with Commission on draft legislation safeguarding workers from radiation hazards

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Quebec's construction sector is facing a tough time, with ongoing infrastructure work getting delayed and projects at risk due to a potential strike of government engineers, as per the Construction Association. Felix Rheaume, director of public affairs and government relations for the Quebec Construction Association (ACQ), vividly paints the picture: "We're seeing the tap being turned off. Projects are being postponed or canceled."

This situation leaves many entrepreneurs in Quebec bracing for the impact. In response, the ACQ - representing some 20,000 companies - penned an open letter to denounce the negative effects of the government-imposed slowdown on infrastructure maintenance and renewal. According to Francine Sabourin, ACQ's general director, "Projects across Quebec, from hospitals in places like Mont-Laurier, Saint-Jérome, La Malbaie, and Sept-Iles, to education network and Ministry of Transport projects, are uncertain."

Halted Projects and Concerns

It's surprising given that the Legault government claims to invest more in infrastructure than ever before. Despite this claim, entrepreneurs on the ground are painting a different reality. Hospitals, CHSLDs, schools, and numerous projects are at a standstill without a clear schedule. The stagnation raises serious concerns among municipalities, professional orders, and the construction industry.

Unfortunately, this pause comes at a time when the government's maintenance deficit is ballooning. Since the Coalition avenir Quebec came to power in 2018, it has more than doubled. The Order of Engineers has also condemned this situation, fearing for public safety.

The ACQ warns that the government risks:

• compromising quality of services for citizens;
• exacerbating the infrastructure maintenance deficit;
• hindering Quebec's economic recovery.

However, what worries the ACQ the most is a "domino effect" that could lead to bankruptcies in the construction industry. For years, the Legault government has invested heavily in infrastructure. As Rheaume points out, "Take the seniors' homes, for example. The demand for construction has seen a significant increase, and entrepreneurs have hired a lot of staff, bought equipment, and materials." A sudden halt could put them in a precarious position.

De-Politicize Decisions

To avoid this boom-and-bust cycle, Rheaume suggests de-politicizing infrastructure decisions by entrusting an independent committee of experts with the task of evaluating infrastructures and establishing a planning schedule based on objective criteria, such as the state of infrastructure, demographic projections, and climate concerns. The government would retain the final say, but it would have to justify its choices if they contradict the recommendations of the experts.

One might think that an expert committee would have fast-tracked the Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital project, given the "apocalyptic" scenarios unfolding there in recent days - water leaking, windows shattering, power outages at the worst possible moments.

Government Engineer's General Strike

The Legault government is grappling with another pressing issue: since last Friday, Quebec government engineers have gone on an unlimited general strike. This will have a direct impact on the Ministry of Transport's construction sites, among other projects. The union president, Marc-Andre Martin, warns, "We'll almost come to a standstill. Work that hasn't started won't start. Those that have begun will have to stop, partly depending on who's overseeing what. So, for the average person, maybe it'll be beneficial; there'll be fewer orange cones this summer. But for the average taxpayer, it's not good news because we have to maintain our infrastructure; that's our job."

Currently, no further negotiation sessions are scheduled between the parties. Both sides accuse each other of bad faith in negotiations.

1. Read the open letter from the Association of Quebec Construction

Enrichment Data:Delays and potential cancellations of infrastructure projects across Quebec can stem from diverse factors, but the specific reasons behind the Association of Quebec Construction's (ACQ) concerns are not explicitly stated. However, broader factors could be contributing to delays across various infrastructure projects in Quebec. These may include:

• Economic Uncertainty: Economic slowdowns or uncertainties can delay projects.
• Policy and Regulatory Factors: Political or regulatory uncertainties might impact investment decisions and project timelines.
• Investment and Market Factors: Volatility in market demand and investment environments can affect large infrastructure projects.

1. The Association of Quebec Construction (ACQ) is concerned about the numerous delays and potential cancellations of infrastructure projects across Quebec, including hospitals in Mont-Laurier, Saint-Jérome, La Malbaie, and Sept-Iles, as well as education network and Ministry of Transport projects.
2. The ACQ warns that the government's actions risk compromising the quality of services for citizens, exacerbating the infrastructure maintenance deficit, and hindering Quebec's economic recovery.
3. Felix Rheaume suggests de-politicizing infrastructure decisions by entrusting an independent committee of experts to evaluate infrastructures, establish a planning schedule, and justify government choices if they contradict the experts' recommendations.
4. Since last Friday, Quebec government engineers have gone on an unlimited general strike, which will have a direct impact on the Ministry of Transport's construction sites and other projects, potentially causing a domino effect that could lead to bankruptcies in the construction industry.

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