Privatisation

There is general agreement among diverse groups and individuals that Canada’s transportation infrastructure desperately requires improvement. As governments move to confront this challenge, it is not enough that they simply commit to building more roads or bridges; the infrastructure must be built on time and on budget, be of high quality, and be well-maintained.

Fraser Forum is a monthly review of public policy in Canada, with articles covering taxation, education, health care policy, and a wide range of other topics. Forum writers are economists, Institute research analysts, and selected authors, including those from other public policy think tanks.

The city of Montreal’s water infrastructure is in an advanced state of disrepair after years of neglect. The city loses 40 percent of its water each year because of leaks and breaks in the water pipes. Sixty-seven percent of the system of water lines will have reached the end of its useful life span within 20 years; 33 percent has already done so. More over, water treatment plants must be upgraded to comply with provincial drinking water quality regulations.