Infrastructure modernization plan: The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec agrees with the Minister of Transport but emphasizes the importance of creating the conditions it requires

1. There must be long-term financing over 15 years, a timeframe in which there may be several different governments.
2. We must train new generations of engineers, especially in civil engineering, so that the professional resources necessary are available to carry out this ambitious plan without forgetting the other priorities facing society, such as the infrastructures belonging to the municipalities.
3. The entrepreneurial capacity of Québec must be assured, in terms of manpower and skills, to avoid overheating the economy.
4. All work must be based on thorough knowledge of the state of each civil engineering structure and must comply with an intervention plan established in advance."

As Mr. Ghavitian notes, "Our resources, especially in civil engineering, are limited, and we must make the best use of them in accordance with our priorities." He adds that "It is essential that this ambitious plan not cause us to lose sight of our responsibilities with respect to other infrastructures - roads, underground water and sewer networks - whose general state is likewise cause for concern. That is why the OIQ recommends integrated infrastructure management, because it should not be necessary to dig up a highway in order to repair something neglected underneath it!"

As far as the newly announced agency is concerned, the OIQ thinks it is interesting to concentrate responsibilities for both inspection and maintenance of civil engineering structures under the same roof. "To restore public confidence and provide reassurance, we must provide independent inspection procedures that could be introduced within the proposed agency. We must also assure transparency about the state of infrastructures and works underway," insists Mr. Ghavitian.

"Obviously, the OIQ will keep close watch on this project and will contribute with all its forces to its full execution," the President of the OIQ concludes.

About the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec
Founded in 1920, the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec has a membership of more than 60,000 engineering professionals in all fields, except forest engineering.
Mission
The mission of the OIQ is to ensure the protection of the public by supervising the practice of the profession within the framework of its constituent laws and ensure that the profession serves the public interest.