Canadian Groups Urge Parliament To Factor Life-Cycle Costs

Canadian cement, ready mixed, precast/prestressed, masonry, and concrete pipe groups have called on the Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and

Canadian cement, ready mixed, precast/prestressed, masonry, and concrete pipe groups have called on the Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities in Ottawa to implement infrastructure investment policies based on life-cycle cost analysis. We go beyond simply asking governments to spend more, says Cement Association of Canada CEO Pierre Boucher. We ask governments to insist on best value – which is different from lowest cost – and life-cycle cost analysis is the best tool to determine best value.

The call was part of the 2006 Cement and Concrete Lobby Day in the Canadian capital. Life-cycle cost analysis is done in some Canadian jurisdictions for some types of infrastructure projects, but is not yet required for federal investments. We want tax dollars invested strategically so that Canada’s infrastructure system supports efficient movement of goods and people and economic growth over the long term, says Canadian Ready Mixed Concrete Association Executive Vice President John Hull. We want governments to evaluate and demand best value.

Canada’s cement and concrete industries accounted for over $5.5 billion in sales to their domestic construction sector in 2005 and employ over 26,000. Joining CAC and CRMCA in the Lobby Day were Canadian Precast-Prestressed Concrete Institute, Canadian Concrete Pipe Association, Canadian Concrete Masonry Products Association, and Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute.