Government working with Canadian Common Ground Alliance to protect federal underground infrastructure

June 21, 2018 – Gatineau, Quebec – Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for construction workers, Canadians and our federal public infrastructure.

Today, Steven MacKinnon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced the signature of a memorandum of understanding between Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the Canadian Common Ground Alliance (CCGA) to improve the protection of underground infrastructure, such as cables and pipes, located on federal lands.

Building on the important work of the Honourable Grant Mitchell, Senator for Alberta, and Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, to raise awareness of the protection of underground infrastructure, PSPC, together with the CCGA, will launch a pilot project to improve and coordinate current notification processes for work on federal lands. This will further strengthen existing processes and prevent damage to underground infrastructure. It will also ensure safety for the public and workers, and improve the safety of federally regulated underground infrastructure.

PSPC will be working with the CCGA and other government departments and agencies within the public service to facilitate a government-wide approach.