Message from the Minister to ACA Members

Since becoming the Minister of Infrastructure just a few short months ago, I’ve learned a great deal about the construction industry and the importance of the relationship between government and industry.

I’d like to thank your organization for being willing to take the time to meet with Deputy Minister Barry Day and myself to discuss the issues and opportunities we’re all facing. We appreciated the frank and honest feedback and agree there is room to improve how we work together and I’d like to reiterate the value industry brings to the table.

We’re in the process of redirecting the focus of our organization. Based on feedback I have received from your members, work has already started to re-engineer our contracting policies and procedures. This is an important step to standardizing government contracts that will modernize government’s procurement process.

There will be more changes coming to ensure more effective monitoring, faster decision-making and above all, increased accountability. These changes will start early in the New Year as we focus on the business of the Ministry – delivering physical infrastructure.

And with the biggest capital build of schools in Canadian history – 230 – there’s a lot of work to be done in Alberta. Some RFPs have gone out and more are coming for Phases 2 and 3 of the schools plan. But it doesn’t end with schools.  Albertans also need infrastructure like a continuing care facility in Parsons Creek and a provincial facility in High River.  You can find out more about our upcoming opportunities through the Government of Alberta’s Purchasing Connection (http://www.purchasingconnection.ca/.

These are only a few examples of the work that’s going on in our great province and I look forward to continuing to work with the construction industry to deliver these important projects to Albertans.

–Manmeet S. Bhullar,
Minister of Alberta Infrastructure