In 2023, infrastructure is no longer simply about building a transit system, transmission line or hospital. Increasingly, government agencies are taking a broader view of the outcomes of a project, thinking beyond the physical infrastructure to the people and places impacted. This includes looking at how to best incorporate economic growth, decarbonization and social outcomes — including reconciliation — as key outcomes. But how can government and the private sector measure success to determine if we’re truly moving the needle on these goals? A comprehensive and structured approach to decision-making and options appraisal, followed by a solid business case that articulates the outputs, outcomes and impacts of a project is a good start. But we also need to think differently about how we procure major infrastructure. Is it best for governments to encourage an innovative mindset in the private sector to determine how to achieve the best sustainable outcomes? Will collaborative procurement ever trump the lowest cost when it comes to selecting partners?

Moderator:

• Joanne McCall, Canadian Transport Sector Lead, Mott MacDonald

Panel:

• David Ho, Chief Procurement Officer and EVP, Program Strategy and Management Infrastructure Ontario
• Steven N. Nackan, Executive Vice President and President, Aecon Concessions
• Steven Robins, Group Head, Strategy, Canada Infrastructure Bank

Read up on the expertise of our speakers