Public-private celebrations
The Canadian Council for Public- Private Partnerships ( CCPPP) held its 23rd annual conference at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. More than 1,200 senior public- and private-sector participants came out to what is recognized as the world’s largest and premier event on public-private partnerships. One of the social highlights of the conference is the annual First Night Reception.
This “must-attend” annual P3 event attracts a wide range of participants from the public sector at the municipal, provincial/territorial and federal levels across Canada as well as aboriginal communities. The private-sector delegates represent a cross-section of P3-related professions, including law, finance, construction, engineering, project management, architecture, consulting, communications, real estate development and building services. There are also a number of attendees from other countries.
This year’s reception saw all the movers and shakers in the infrastructure sector in Canada and abroad come together for an evening of networking and friendship. The venue was packed with food installations and entertainers.
“Over 900 guests from 22 countries enjoying great cuisine, great entertainment and great networking — there is no better way to celebrate Canada’s global leadership in the P3 world,” says Mark Romoff, president and CEO, CCPPP.
Established in 1993, CCPPP is a national member- based organization with broad representation from across the public and private sectors. Its mission is to promote innovative approaches to infrastructure development and service delivery through public-private partnerships with all levels of government. The council is a proponent of evidence- based public policy in support of P3s, facilitates the adoption of international best practices, and educates stakeholders and the community on the economic and social benefits of public-private partnerships.
Those attending this year’s event included Edmundo Gamas, executive director Mexican Institute of Infrastructure Development; Donald J. Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon; Dale Richmond, chair, CCPPP and president and CEO, DERX Inc.; Vello Ehvert, president Ehvert Mission Critical; Sarah Clark, COO, Fraser River Pile & Dredge (also this years P3 Champion Award winner); Amanda Farrell, president and CEO, Partnerships British Columbia; Rupen Pandya, president and CEO, SaskBuilds; Michael Marasco, CEO, Plenary Concessions; and Mark Bain, partner, Torys LLP.