Overview:
As Canada’s population grows rapidly, concerns are rising about the country’s infrastructure’s ability to keep pace. A recent survey conducted by Abacus Data, on behalf of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP), reveals that Canadians are increasingly apprehensive about the future condition of the nation’s infrastructure. Many fear that public resources alone cannot meet the demands for new housing and upgraded facilities without imposing additional tax burdens.
The poll, conducted in late September 2024, highlights that 63% of Canadians lack confidence in the government’s ability to fund and maintain necessary infrastructure independently. These findings were presented at P3 2024, Canada’s Infrastructure Conference, underscoring the urgent call for a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors to share financial responsibilities and risks.
Lisa Mitchell, CCPPP’s President and CEO, emphasized the need for partnership, stating, “Canadians clearly see trouble on the horizon for our country’s infrastructure. With inflation impacting daily household budgets, there’s significant support for the government to explore practical solutions by engaging the private sector to manage costs and risks together.”
David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, noted that many Canadians feel that infrastructure development has lagged despite rapid population growth. “A scarcity mindset is now common among Canadians who are observing the effects of a booming population without a corresponding improvement in the infrastructure and services they rely on,” Coletto said. He warned that infrastructure will remain a critical political and societal issue for the next decade.
The survey findings underscore the recommendations made in CCPPP’s recent reports, which advocate for an expanded role of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). These partnerships leverage private financing to stretch public funds and deliver essential infrastructure efficiently, without overburdening taxpayers.
The poll reveals broad, cross-generational support for P3s, with 49% of Canadians endorsing the approach to building, funding, and maintaining public infrastructure. This figure rises to 60% when P3s are described as combining government and private
investment. Mitchell emphasized, “This survey demonstrates Canadians’ preference for P3s across all demographics, from Gen Z to Boomers, and across political lines. This unified message signals a clear need for public and private sectors to work together to bridge the infrastructure gap.”
Key findings from the Abacus Data survey include:
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- Only 31% of Canadians believe their community’s infrastructure assets—such as roads, hospitals, and water systems—are in good or excellent condition.
- An overwhelming 88% express concern that Canadian infrastructure will deteriorate and require major upgrades in the near future.
- Nearly all respondents (92%) anticipate an increased demand for public infrastructure due to Canada’s expanding population.
- Among Canadians, 47% favor shared financial responsibility and risk between
government and private companies, with a preference observed across Liberal,
Conservative, and NDP supporters.
The survey of 1,700 Canadians, conducted between September 19 and 25, 2024, with a margin of error of ±2.377%, further indicates that public-private collaboration is widely recognized as a viable path forward for Canada’s infrastructure needs.
About the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) Founded in 1993, the CCPPP is a non-partisan organization committed to advancing Canada’s infrastructure through public-private partnerships. With members from both the government and private sectors, the council is a leading advocate for P3s, working to create sustainable and value-driven infrastructure solutions across Canada. For more such information, follow Behind Me on Instagram or visit our website Behind Me.
