• Identify and develop consensus on key issues and concerns of the Civil Infrastructure Systems industry;
• Identify and develop consensus on the technological needs and gaps related to the above issues and concerns of the CIS industry.

Why is this so critical?

The prosperity and economic growth of our nation, the health and safety and the overall quality of life of our citizens greatly depend on our productivity and on the efficiency and safety of our transportation systems and the marketing of our goods and services, as well as an effective worldwide communication system. Without an on-going investment in Canada's infrastructure, our economy will fail to grow, and Canada will cease to remain competitive internationally. It must be emphasized that ignoring our infrastructure results in a double jeopardy - loss of productivity and international competitiveness, and higher costs of repair or replacement due to extensive deterioration after prolonged neglect. In addition, the quality of life is strongly dependent on the quality and appropriate functioning of our community assets and institutions, which can make our country a desirable place to live, invest, work and visit. Therefore, each citizen has a stake in the upkeep and operation of our existing infrastructure and in the construction and maintenance of new infrastructure.

What are the objectives?

The results of the project will enable the governments and stakeholder organizations, like yours, to develop science and harmonize technology action plans for the construction, renewal, and management of our national infrastructure. It will also provide a knowledge base from which future national policies will shape national directions for the next decade.

Phase 1 of the map has just been completed and a macro-level analysis provides the basis for the next steps of the work: to develop details of the technology challenges and opportunities that will support the competitiveness of Canada's infrastructure industry while supplying safe, cost-effective and long lasting infrastructure services to Canadians.

The opportunity to build a National consensus!

In order to achieve this goal within a short time frame, the road map Expert Panel will build on the Phase 1 results which will be presented as part of our Town Hall Meetings. As Chair of the Expert Panel Group and of all these town hall meetings, I hope that you will give serious consideration to attending one of these meetings since it is a unique opportunity to participate in shaping the future of the industry.

How will these meetings play a vital role for the next decade?

The purpose of the Town Hall Meetings is to provide you with the opportunity to review a National Policy Document that will be presented in November to the Honorable Minister Alan Rock, as part of Canada's Innovation Stragegy. During our Town Hall meetings, you will also be invited to provide your ideas as to the specific strategies Canada should endeavour to remain internationally competitive. We therefore hope that you will join our efforts by attending these meetings and sharing your views.

What are the expected key benefits for the CIS industry?

• A common vision will support the development of practical technologies which can be readily used by the industry;
• Stakeholder organisations will be able to develop strategies and initiatives that support the needs of the industry;
• The common S&T direction will facilitate the development of education and training programs leading to a higher qualified labour in terms of the use of innovative technologies; and
• It will position the CIS industry as a key player in the innovation framework in Canada.

This is not just another study!

There are a number of initiatives dealing with civil infrastructure systems underway or being planned by a number of organisations across the country. The Canadian Foundation for Innovation recently awarded a number of grants to universities (e.g., Waterloo, Laval) for facilities that will support research in a number of CIS fields. Some universities have also taken steps to add rehabilitation courses to their curricula. However, these initiatives are pursued in relative isolation of one another and a common vision will undoubtedly increase their impact on industry.

At the Federal Government level, there has been a realisation of the importance of CIS [infrastructure], which has led to a number of activities, including a new Federal Minister of Infrastructure who oversees the Infrastructure Canada Program, and other infrastructure funds.

Furthermore, Canada will benefit in a few years from a tool to disseminate best practices through the National Guide to Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure. The Guide, under development through collaboration between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and NRC with funding from Infrastructure Canada, will produce guidelines that will include decision-making and investment planning for municipal infrastructure

On behalf our TRM- CIS Expert Panel Group, I invite you to visit the web site regulary at www.csce.ca which will provide a focal point in communicating the progress made throughout this project.

Best regards,

Reg Andres
R.V. Anderson Associates Limited
Chair, CIS-TRM Expert Panel