A survey released by the organization says the province’s civil and engineering firms are seeing fewer tenders being issued for municipal work.

The money builds on the $500 million announced in July to create enough funding for construction of 50 new buildings, and additions to 23 existing facilities.

All levels of government must work together to improve the free movement of goods, services and workers, says the national association.

The Ontario Government has committed to the construction of new expansion facilities at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and Kenora Jail. The projects are expected to be completed in 2022.

‘We are used to seasonal layoffs around Christmas and then people come back to work in March,’ says Peter Smith. ‘But this year, those layoffs are going to happen sooner and they will last much longer.’