Consulting Engineers of Ontario said in a statement that it supports the local knowledge policy Ontario, which is recently criticized by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, who is calling for the creation of a Canada Free Trade Zone.
Premier Brad Wall criticized Ontario’s policy of preferring to engage firms having “local knowledge”, calling it protectionist and claiming out-of-province companies are left with an unfair disadvantage.
“When it comes to the Government of Ontario and its agencies making significant investments in core public infrastructure, Consulting Engineers of Ontario is fully supportive of the local knowledge policy,” stated association Chief Executive, Barry Steinberg. “Our members strongly support the free and efficient movement of goods and services within Canada. Interprovincial free trade will help ensure a more progressive national economy. However, when it comes to core public infrastructure, local knowledge of the market is equally important.”
Ontario has embarked on a $130 billion, 10-year commitment to infrastructure investment. Engaging local firms is a central element of this objective as it will help local economies create good jobs, Consulting Engineers of Ontario said in its statement.
