REPORT: 64% of Canadians call for federal government to champion critical infrastructure

Calgary, AB, April 24, 2025 – Driven in part by tariffs and threats on our sovereignty, Canadians are showing record-high support for nation building projects. From ports and pipelines to housing and transit, Canadians are looking to build the infrastructure that connects the country, strengthens supply chains and supports trade between provinces. Progressing these projects is firmly in the national interest, helping to build a stronger, more connected Canadian economy.

“Canadians are clear: they want governments to invest in the infrastructure that matters — infrastructure that maximizes our competitive advantages, keeps pace with population growth and connects Canada from coast-to-coast-to-coast,” says Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President, Policy & External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “It’s about infrastructure that moves goods, like pipelines, ports and rail — and infrastructure that supports people, including public transit, housing and hospitals.”

Despite Canada’s record population growth — a 3.2% increase in 2023 alone, the fastest since 1957 — housing starts have not kept pace with demand. To close the gap, Canada must increase housing construction to 500,000 units annually — more than double current levels. But builders face barriers at every turn: limited access to land, labour, materials and capital.

At the same time, only 31% of Canadians rate public infrastructure in their communities as good or excellent and 92% believe population growth will place even more pressure on already strained systems. Public safety concerns are ongoing, and access to reliable high-speed internet remains out of reach for many rural and Indigenous communities — cutting millions off from education, jobs, and healthcare.

“Our quality of life and our economic growth are deeply connected — and both depend on the strength of our infrastructure,” added Ismail-Teja. “The challenges are clear, and so are the solutions. When governments invest in community infrastructure, businesses — from construction and telecom to tourism and main street shops — can do what they do best: drive growth, create jobs and improve quality of life.”

Community prosperity by the numbers

• 46% of Canadians identify housing as a top priority for the next federal government. 
• 4 in 5 Canadians say they have not seen improvement in public safety over the past five years. 
• Only 31% of Canadians rate the state of publicly owned infrastructure in their communities as good or excellent. 
• 92% believe population growth will increase pressure on existing infrastructure and drive demand for new projects. 
• More than 93% of Canadians have access to high-speed internet — but rural, remote and Indigenous communities still face significant access barriers. 
• In the agriculture sector alone, the Alberta government estimates that improved connectivity could increase sector GDP by up to 5%. 

Key Recommendations

The Calgary Chamber is recommending five priority actions to build stronger, more vibrant communities and unlock long-term economic growth:

• Accelerate housing starts through tax incentives, direct funding and the release of underused federal land. 
• Expand access to skilled labour by supporting interprovincial and international credential recognition in the construction workforce. 
• Improve community safety with crime prevention design, modernized legislation, and small business security supports. 
• Invest in community infrastructure — such as transit, arts and culture — and align funding with population growth and sector-specific needs. 
• Close the digital divide in rural and Indigenous communities by 2030 and protect critical infrastructure from disruption, vandalism and climate-related risks. 

“Investing in community infrastructure is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about building vibrant places where people want to live and work,” said Ismail-Teja. “It’s about helping small businesses thrive, attracting and retaining top talent, and building communities that are ready to meet the challenges ahead — from affordability to climate resilience.”

About Inflection Point

Inflection Point is a plan for a competitive, productive and prosperous Canada. It outlines 82 evidence-based policy recommendations across five pillars, shaped by extensive consultation with businesses and Canadians through roundtables, surveys and national polling. These recommendations are intended for all political parties, elected officials and civil servants — recognizing that both government and the business community have a shared responsibility to address Canada’s most pressing challenges.

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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

Media opportunities

For media inquiries, please contact

Brittany Brander, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
media@calgarychamber.com