Former Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz has candidly acknowledged that the country's reputation for being "unable to advance major construction projects" is regrettable but not unfounded. Current Governor Mark Carney—who also previously served as Bank of Canada Governor—is now working to reverse this situation by planning to streamline regulatory processes and implement new trade corridor projects.
Poloz reflected on his experience at Export Development Canada (EDC) in the late 2000s. He revealed that in 2008, the organization received a financing application for funds to build roads and supporting infrastructure to a major critical mineral resource area in Ontario. However, years later, the debate over whether to build roads to this mineral-rich "Ring of Fire" region remains unresolved.
"It's precisely these types of projects that keep getting delayed that have completely cemented our reputation for 'getting nothing done,'" Poloz stated bluntly.