British Columbia – As the federal government prepares to deliver its spring economic update on April 28, the British Columbia Common Ground Alliance (BCCGA) is calling for targeted measures that strengthen infrastructure safety, support responsible development, and enable private-sector investment in critical projects across BC.
“At a time when BC is facing growing infrastructure demands, energy security considerations, and increasing economic uncertainty, the federal government must focus on policies that enable investment, reduce delays, and prioritize safety,” said Anita Huberman, incoming Executive Director of BCCGA. “A strong and coordinated approach to underground infrastructure management and project delivery is essential to long-term competitiveness.”
BCCGA represents a broad coalition of stakeholders committed to preventing damage to underground infrastructure, improving public and worker safety, and advancing best practices across sectors including construction, utilities, telecommunications, and energy.
In advance of the spring economic statement, BCCGA is urging the federal government to:
- Accelerate infrastructure project approvals by streamlining regulatory processes while maintaining rigorous safety and environmental standards
- Invest in damage prevention systems and technology, including data-sharing platforms and mapping modernization for underground infrastructure
- Support workforce development in skilled trades and safety-critical sectors to address labour shortages impacting infrastructure delivery
- Enhance coordination across jurisdictions to reduce duplication and improve efficiency in project execution
- Incentivize private-sector investment in infrastructure, energy, and innovation projects that drive economic growth and resilience
“Delays, uncertainty, and fragmented processes are costing the economy billions annually and increasing risks to public safety,” Huberman added. “We need a coordinated national approach that recognizes infrastructure as a strategic asset and enables industry to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and at scale.”
With major infrastructure and energy projects on the horizon, BCCGA emphasizes that proactive investment in damage prevention and coordination frameworks will not only reduce incidents and costs but also strengthen BC’s and Canada’s ability to execute nation-building projects.
“The federal government has an opportunity in this budget that they will fully present in the Fall to demonstrate leadership—by aligning economic policy with infrastructure safety, investment readiness, and long-term growth,” said Huberman.
About the BC Common Ground Alliance (BCCGA)
The British Columbia Common Ground Alliance is a non-profit, member-driven organization that is a part of a broader Canadian alliance dedicated to protecting underground infrastructure as a foundational component of economic growth and city-building. The BCCGA is focused on protecting underground infrastructure as a critical component of the Build BC and Build Canada economic agendas. The membership value proposition and the work of the BCCGA is committed to underground safety to deliver above-ground impact: faster project delivery, safer communities, and a stronger, more resilient economy. Dig smart. Build strong. Grow BC.
BCCGA brings together industry, government, and stakeholders to advance damage prevention practices, promote safe excavation, and safeguard the essential systems that power British Columbia’s economy. These underground assets such as natural gas and LNG, mining, construction, utilities, and telecommunications, are critical to delivering major projects across energy, housing, and resource sectors.
As project activity accelerates across the province, the importance of protecting underground infrastructure has never been greater. Damage to these systems can halt construction, disrupt communities, create safety risks, and result in significant economic losses. A resilient and opportunity-driven economy in British Columbia depends on the integrity and reliability of these assets.
BCCGA is open to membership from individuals, businesses and organizations committed to safety in ground disturbance and underground infrastructure across BC.
