OTTAWA – Members of the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) feel that a government stimulus package would be best spent on programs that support the development of a “smart infrastructure” for Canada.
Smart infrastructures include networks to link vehicles to themselves and ground services, city-wide wireless access for mobile devices, the provision of online services for communities and other public sector organizations, innovations in the services sector, and the creation of advanced materials, CATA outlined in a press release.
As reported by Cartt.ca, the organization asked the federal government to create an "infrastructure fund” equal to four percent of the Gross Domestic Product, or $60-billion, to help stimulate the economy through job-focused spending.
CATA polled 150 executives from high technology companies with the questions: ‘How badly will your business suffer if the down-turn continues?; Do you agree on a $60-billion stimulus package; and Which sectors should we invest in?’
Results showed that 73% felt that there would be either a decline in sales or that their companies would be "badly wounded", while a further six per cent indicated that their businesses may close. 60% supported the idea of the stimulus package.
On the choice of the best long-term value for stimulus spending in terms of employment, 41% supported the idea that the funds be directed to smart infrastructure. The other choices were traditional infrastructure (23%), green technology (19%), followed by alternate energy and healthcare.
