As the B.C. election approaches, BC Conservative Party Leader John Rustad outlined his construction priorities at the ICBA Construction Innovation Summit in Vancouver. The party’s agenda includes expanding projects such as adding lanes to the Pattullo Bridge, a new bridge across Okanagan Lake, and replacing the aging Iron Worker’s Bridge. Rustad also plans to shift focus from the Massey Tunnel project to a bridge replacement. Funding for these projects will come from identifying cost overruns and inefficiencies from the previous government.

Rustad emphasizes the importance of national free-trade policies for goods and labor, as well as having more control over immigration processes in B.C. He also advocates for derisking public infrastructure projects to make them more efficient and cost-effective. Prompt payment in the construction industry is also a key concern for Rustad, as the BC Construction Association has submitted a document on the issue to relevant government bodies.

Furthermore, Rustad pledges to expand the liquified natural gas industry in B.C. by extending pipeline permits and criticizing WorkSafeBC’s surplus funds, suggesting they could be better utilized. While the BC NDP and BC Green Party have released their platforms, the BC Conservatives’ platform is forthcoming. Stay tuned for more updates on their plans for the province’s construction industry.

Source link