AI can’t just be ‘slapped on the current system’ as feds seek to modernize procurement process, says AI research chair

A July 8 report from the Office of Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic stated that procurement at the federal level is in need of “fundamental change.”
Transforming Canada’s trade infrastructure is necessary to build our prosperity

Canada has an opportunity to redefine its trade corridors and build an infrastructure network that is both resilient and future-facing. However, this will not be achieved through standalone, isolated projects.
Canada deserves a project approval process that’s swift by default

While Bill C-5 sends a positive signal, it does not resolve the core problem: Canada still lacks a stable, transparent, and efficient project approval process.
The nation-building initiative of retrofitting Canada’s buildings

Simply speeding up approvals for a few infrastructure projects does not build us a new Canada. Going bigger and broader—focusing on infrastructure that could directly improve the lives of literally every Canadian and aiming to help solve numerous crises at once—now that’s smart, strategic and forward-thinking nation-building.
By rail, road and sea: Western export infrastructure needs a refresh

Improving trade corridors does not rest solely on the shoulders of one government or industry. It requires formal cooperation and coordination to drive targeted, long-term investment.
We need a fix for bureaucratic delays—but is it a pipe dream?

The prime minister could and should spend his entire mandate trying to do this. But this is a classic example of a problem where the people responsible for fixing it are the same people who are the problem.
It’s time we treat campus infrastructure as a nation-building project

Investments in universities are practical and high-impact investments that will create new jobs, deliver value for taxpayers and strengthen Canada’s competitiveness.
House committee summons ministers, CEOs to testify on $1-billion loan for Chinese-made ships

BC Ferries announced in June plans to purchase four ships built by a Chinese state-owned company, with help from a Canada Infrastructure Bank loan. Now, MPs are calling on Ministers Gregor Robertson and Chrystia Freeland to answer for what Conservatives call an ‘outrageous’ loan.
Environment groups want ‘national interest’ defined in Liberals’ One Economy law

The government needs to have a ‘national conversation’ about what it means to have a project meet Bill C-5’s criteria, says Anna Johnston, a staff lawyer with West Coast Environmental Law.
Federal major projects office ‘should not take the place of proper consultation with First Nations,’ says AFN national chief

Bill C-5 will create a major projects office with an advisory council of Indigenous representatives, but leaders from those groups are still waiting for details as to what that means for their input.