The Council
Canada’s manufacturing sector is moving toward greater automation and adoption of digital tools and advanced technologies — but success depends on strong digital infrastructure. As artificial intelligence, quantum and the broader digital economy accelerate, demand for data capacity and computational power is growing across every industry.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Innovative Infrastructure Council is working to ensure Canada builds the next generation of infrastructure, optimized for advanced manufacturing, cyber-physical systems and world-class connectivity.
The Council brings together leaders from across industries who are ready to advocate for smart policies that attract investment, keep Canada competitive and build an innovative, future-oriented economy.
Policy Priorities
Government must:
- Expand high-speed internet, edge computing and 5G/6G deployment.
- Invest in clean energy corridors, smart grids and advanced supply chains.
- Support Smart Cities and digital public services to improve resilience and sustainability.
- Integrate AI risk governance and cybersecurity into national frameworks.
Government must:
- Make the Accelerated Investment Incentive permanent.
- Introduce a new Investment Tax Credit targeting advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and cleantech.
Government must:
- Leverage government purchasing to scale Canadian innovations and increase commercialization.
- Open federal infrastructure projects and innovation challenges to SMEs and startups.
Government must:
- Modernize regulatory systems to keep pace with new technologies.
- Establish sandboxes for AI, cybersecurity, and next-gen infrastructure.
- Align Canadian regulatory timelines with key global partners.
Government must:
- Mobilize capital and expertise for high-impact digital, green and industrial projects.
- Support long-term planning for national economic security and industrial capabilities.
Government must:
- Launch training and upskilling programs in advanced manufacturing, AI, cleantech and digital infrastructure.
- Expand employer-led, work-integrated learning in post-secondary and trades.
- Prioritize inclusion of underrepresented groups, rural and Indigenous communities and workers displaced by automation.
- Create a national skills passport to enable worker mobility across sectors.
Co-Chairs
Hardave Birk
Director, Government Relations
Rogers
Marc Mondesir
Managing Director, Canada
Equinix
For more information on the Innovative Infrastructure Council, please contact Alex Greco, Senior Director, Manufacturing & Value Chains.
Updates
During its monthly meetings, the Council has advanced its work through expert insights and engagement with policymakers:
- At our June meeting, we helda joint session with Charles Vincent, Senior ADM, and Chris Padfield, Senior ADM, Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector, ISED.
- At our May meeting, David Coletto, Chair of Abacus Data, presented insights on Canadian business sentiment.
- At our April meeting, Greg Lyle, President of Innovative Research Group, shared perspectives on public opinion and competitiveness.
- At our March meeting, Philip Cross, Fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute, addressed the council. Our post-election priority document was finalized.
- At our February meeting, Charles Vincent, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister at ISED, joined as guest speaker; council priorities were finalized.
Members
Other Councils
Immigration Council
Safer Business Campaign
