People, hands and outdoor stacked for support
by Rodrigue Gilbert Rodrigue Gilbert

Power in Unity

People, hands and outdoor stacked for support

In a year marked by political change and economic uncertainty, Canada’s construction industry is not standing still – we’re shaping the future, and at the core of that momentum is partnership. Thanks to the unwavering support and collaboration of partner association members, such as SHCA, CCA is not only elevating our industry’s national voice. We are turning that voice into action, influence and results.

Advocacy that delivers

When economic uncertainty hit and Canada-U.S. trade tensions escalated, CCA quickly recalibrated. We identified key issues affecting your business, including trade-enabling infrastructure, fair and transparent procurement and strengthening Canada-U.S. relations. We took those priorities straight to Finance Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Canada’s U.S. ambassador and national business leaders. We joined the Canada-U.S. Trade Council to ensure construction has a seat at the table and a say in shaping continental trade. We also strengthened ties with groups like the Canadian American Business Council, forging alliances to tackle common challenges.

Thanks to the unwavering support and collaboration of partner association members like SHCA, CCA is not only elevating our industry’s national voice. We are turning that voice into action, influence and results.

Our national election campaign, Construction for Canadians, brought the industry’s voice to the national stage, with 74 candidate testimonials, 84 pledges of support, four billion media impressions and 165 national media hits. We put construction at the centre of critical policy debates around economic resilience, infrastructure investment and workforce development – exactly what Canada needs in this next chapter of nation-building.

These efforts are already making waves. Our priorities were reflected in the federal mandate letters, the speech from the throne and plans for a new Major Federal Project Office – a sign that the federal government is hearing our message loud and clear. CCA is already building relationships with newly elected MPs and ministers, laying the foundation for a powerful Hill Day and Meech Lake meeting in the fall. Together, we’ll advocate for the investments, policies and tools that Canada’s construction industry needs to drive our economic prosperity.

The road ahead

CCA is moving full speed ahead to ensure the momentum it built is not lost. The construction sector, backed by partners like SHCA, will continue pushing for the policies and investments that will move the industry forward. With strong partnerships, a united voice and a clear vision, we can build a more resilient supply chain, a stronger workforce and the modern infrastructure Canadians need. CCA is committed to advocating for the tools, policies and investments that will allow our industry to thrive – not just for today, but for generations to come. 

Crack between America and Canada flags. political relationship concept
by Rodrigue Gilbert Rodrigue Gilbert

Standing Strong Against Tariffs

Crack between America and Canada flags. political relationship concept
nkdrop/123rf

In construction, where everything depends on long-term planning and tight cost forecasts, even a small disruption in the supply chain can throw things off in a big way. Lately, the rise in protectionist talk and new trade barriers, such as the 25 per cent tariff the U.S. placed on Canadian steel and aluminum, are causing significant turbulence across the industry.

The U.S. remains Canada’s largest trading partner, and our construction industry is deeply integrated with cross-border supply chains. Tariffs disrupt those chains, driving up costs, creating uncertainty, and delaying essential public and private sector projects.

For Saskatchewan’s heavy construction contractors, many of whom rely on imported steel and key materials for large-scale public and private projects, the potential impacts are stark:

  • Skyrocketing material costs that could make projects financially unviable.
  • Delays in project delivery due to supply chain disruptions.
  • Increased uncertainty that discourages investment and long-term planning.

These impacts extend far beyond the construction yard. When projects are delayed or cancelled, Saskatchewan’s communities are left waiting for the services, jobs and growth those investments were meant to deliver.

CCA has been actively working with federal and provincial leaders to ensure the construction industry’s voice is heard in trade and economic policy discussions.

What CCA is doing to fight for the industry

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA), representing over 18,000 member firms, is proud of our mission to inspire a progressive, innovative and sustainable construction industry. With partners like SHCA, we’re committed to shaping a stronger, more resilient Canada through the power of construction.

CCA has been actively working with federal and provincial leaders to ensure the construction industry’s voice is heard in trade and economic policy discussions. As part of our strategy, we have:

  • Participated in government consultations to highlight the specific risks tariffs pose to Canadian construction.
  • Engaged with policymakers to promote tariff exemptions or mitigation measures for essential materials.
    Published economic analyses showing how tariffs lead to higher costs and stalled progress on infrastructure.
  • Construction for Canadians: A call to action

We’re not just reacting, we’re pushing for proactive policies that protect our industry and the broader Canadian economy.

The 2025 federal election presented a pivotal opportunity for us to rally support for the construction sector. Through our Construction for Canadians campaign, CCA worked to ensure that construction remained a key issue in the national conversation, championing policies that promote growth, sustainability and resilience in our industry.

While the election may be behind us, the work continues. Our campaign wasn’t just about influencing platforms, it was about building long-term awareness and support for construction as a pillar of Canada’s economic future. Now, as the newly elected government begins its mandate, CCA remains focused on turning these conversations into real, lasting progress.

Turning advocacy into action

Now more than ever, Canada needs investment in resilient infrastructure that will support growth and meet the demands of a changing world. We must grow the construction workforce, modernize procurement processes and cut the red tape that hampers project delivery.

Canada has slipped from 10th to 26th in global trade infrastructure rankings. This is troubling for a country whose economy depends on the import and export of goods. Our ports, railways and highways, the arteries of our supply chains, are stretched thin and ill-equipped to handle growing demand and the mounting need to diversity our markets. Saskatchewan’s key export sectors are particularly vulnerable to bottlenecks at ports, rail terminals and highways.

CCA has been working in partnership with other stakeholders to secure a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan that prioritizes strategic, long-term investments. A cornerstone of this plan is the creation of the Canadian Infrastructure Council, a significant milestone in pushing forward the National Infrastructure Assessment, which is a priority for CCA. This council will play a key role in prioritizing strategic infrastructure projects critical to Canada’s future.

With strong partnerships, a united voice and a clear vision, we can build a more resilient supply chain, a stronger workforce and the modern infrastructure Canadians need. CCA is committed to advocating for the tools, policies and investments that will allow our industry to thrive, not just for today, but for generations to come.

Photo illustration of workers in PPE clothing walking towards construction
by Rodrigue Gilbert Rodrigue Gilbert

Laying the Groundwork

Photo illustration of workers in PPE clothing walking towards construction
Photo: Canadian Construction Association

Representing more than 18,000 member firms, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is proud of its mission to inspire a progressive, innovative and sustainable construction industry. The key to CCA’s collective success is working with its valued partner associations like the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA).

With an ongoing national housing crisis, the government’s prioritization of a low-carbon economy and mounting workforce shortage, CCA is capitalizing on the political attention to advocate for strategic investment and policies that will support our efforts to build a stronger Canada.

Building beyond housing: CCA’s advocacy push

While Canada’s Housing Plan formed the centrepiece of the 2024 Federal Budget, the industry was left disappointed by several significant missed opportunities that underscore the vital role of foundational infrastructure in supporting housing, including:

  • Next steps for the National Infrastructure Assessment
  • Investment in corresponding infrastructure for every new home built
  • A long-term plan to fill the gap in our trade-enabling infrastructure
  • Modernization of procurement strategies to support shared risk
  • Meaningful collaboration with provinces, municipalities and industry

Estimates indicate that each new housing unit requires up to $107,000 in public infrastructure dollars, so a significant investment is needed to build, support and connect these homes to essential vital services and amenities, like roadways, safe water and the energy grid. This represents a major shortfall in investment. Canada’s existing, not to mention aging, infrastructure is not prepared for the additional stress. One infrastructure failure can have many consequences.

CCA voiced these concerns at its Meech Lake meeting on Nov. 5, 2024. This meeting is a chance for industry experts from across Canada to connect with senior federal government officials to discuss critical issues affecting the industry. The second touchpoint for discussions was CCA’s annual Hill Day on Nov. 19, where close to 100 construction leaders from across Canada had over 75 meetings with parliamentarians and key decision-makers to discuss issues and opportunities facing the construction industry, including the need for improved infrastructure investment, support for workforce development and modernized procurement. It’s not promises that build the economy – it’s construction.

Awareness to action: Construction’s progress on net zero objectives

CCA released an update to its 2021 “Strength, resilience, sustainability” report in September. This new report, titled “Climate resilience in construction: Building for a sustainable future,” stresses the importance of building resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, protect lives and support community well-being.

CCA expects this report will serve as a springboard for discussions with government on the need for greater investment and supportive policies to not only achieve net zero objectives, but also protect Canadians and the infrastructure they depend on daily from the escalating threats of extreme climate events.

Rebuilding Canada’s workforce

With an estimated 266,000 construction workers set to retire in the next decade and growing construction demands, there is a real need to partner with the federal government on workforce development strategies. The government’s recent decision to reduce immigration levels will come with challenges for the Canadian construction industry. CCA will continue to advocate for a balanced plan. Skilled workers are vital to meet the growing demand for infrastructure and housing. A well-balanced immigration policy that includes a re-evaluation of the current points system and considers the unique needs of our provinces can help ensure Saskatchewan fills the labour gaps in our sector and keep building Canada’s future. 

It’s not promises that build the economy – it’s construction.

Member services at CCA

Through Best Practices Services, and the work of CCA’s National Advisory Councils, CCA has published its “Bid Go or No Go” guide and a reference document on mastering risk management in construction contracts. Look out for CCA’s most recent “Construction Playbook: Public Procurement Risk Allocation,” which outlines the fundamental principles of risk management in construction, highlights recent examples of risk transfer and offers practical mitigation strategies. These important documents reinforce CCA’s role as a thought leader and provide significant value back to its members.  

CCA has launched its CONtact mentorship program for 2025, which will see an increase in mentees from three to five and an expanded presentation experience at the Annual Conference, demonstrating CCA’s continued commitment to innovation in construction. The CCA National Awards continue to celebrate excellence in the industry. The number of nominations received have consistently increased year over year, and staff are excited to begin the adjudication process for the 2024 Awards. 

Simplifying contracts and guides

CCA is striving to make contract management simpler and more transparent for its members with its new contract management platform, SignaSurTM. SignaSur offers secure, digital CCA and CCDC contracts through its integrated partner associations. Many of CCA’s integrated partner associations have had a briefing on the service and are at various stages of adoption and launch. 

Stay in touch!

Count on CCA to be a collaborative partner to SHCA, providing helpful tools, sharing best practices across the country and being a voice with the federal government.  

Stay in the loop by subscribing to CCA’s newsletter at bit.ly/ccasubscribe, by following @ConstructionCAN on X, or by looking up the Canadian Construction Association on LinkedIn.

by Rodrigue Gilbert Rodrigue Gilbert

Building a Sustainable Future

Construction sector taking bold steps toward net-zero emissions

smshoot/123RF

With a growing need to combat climate change, Canada’s construction sector is embracing ambitious goals to lower its carbon emissions. This transformation isn’t merely a trend, but a necessary evolution toward sustainability. As construction stakeholders innovate and adapt, the role of government support is even more significant.

Rod Gilbert
Rodrigue Gilbert

The shift toward sustainability

The Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) Q4 2023 ICIC Construction Sector Quarterly Insights report observed that the industry is making significant gains in sustainability. Despite its history as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the sector is swiftly embracing measures to curb its environmental impact. There has been a notable decrease in emissions intensity across various infrastructure assets, and investments in clean technologies and materials are rising.

Key players, from developers to contractors, are integrating sustainable strategies into their projects. Green building materials are being employed to not only reduce the emissions associated with construction, but also improve energy efficiency over the project’s entire life cycle. Renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines are also increasingly being integrated into building designs. Moreover, the availability of AI and big data analytics will offer unprecedented opportunities to monitor building performance, providing insights that lead to more effective energy management strategies.

Government support: The catalyst for change

While industry leaders are driving change from within, the Canadian government plays a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to net-zero. Financial incentives are essential tools to encourage sustainable practices across the construction sector. Tax credits for green building certifications, grants for research and development of sustainable technologies and subsidies for energy-efficient retrofits are examples of the type of government interventions needed.

Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a necessity.

Updated building codes and regulatory standards that mandate higher energy efficiency and stricter emissions targets for new construction and renovations are crucial. By setting clear and ambitious benchmarks, the government can ensure that the entire industry moves toward a sustainable future collectively. These standards not only guide current projects, but also inspire innovation in building design and construction methods.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite progress, challenges remain. The upfront costs of sustainable building practices and materials can be higher, posing a barrier to widespread adoption particularly for the small and medium-sized construction company.

The construction industry requires financial support and incentives to offset these initial investments. The timing is also ripe to update outdated procurement strategies. Engaging with contractors earlier and moving away from the lowest bid model will encourage the use of new processes, better practices, alternative energy and more sustainable materials. Moreover, the industry needs a long-term plan for infrastructure investment – one that will provide confidence to CCA members to invest in new technology, convert to low carbon materials and hire and train staff.

CCA released an update to its 2021 Strength, resilience, sustainability white paper in September. This broader report highlights the progress made by industry, explores the linkages between climate risk and infrastructure decisions and discusses the path forward in confronting the climate crisis. It also serves as a springboard for discussions with government on the need for greater investment and supportive policies to not only achieve net zero objectives, but also protect Canadians and the infrastructure they depend on daily from the escalating threats of extreme climate events.

Looking ahead

Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a necessity. Industry leaders are already demonstrating their commitment through innovative practices and technologies. Continued collaboration with the federal government will accelerate this transformation. By aligning policies with ambitious climate targets and providing the necessary financial incentives and regulatory frameworks, the government can empower the industry to achieve net-zero emissions.

Canadian Construction Association

Stay in touch!

Count on CCA to be a collaborative partner to the SHCA, providing helpful tools, sharing best practices across the country and being a voice with the federal government. 

Stay in the loop by subscribing to CCA’s newsletter at bit.ly/ccasubscribe, by following @ConstructionCAN on X or by looking up the Canadian Construction Association on LinkedIn.

Mobile phone
by Rodrigue Gilbert Rodrigue Gilbert

Canada’s Construction Sector Rallies for Reform

Spotlighting current and potential issues in the industry

Mobile phone
prykhodov/123RF

With an ongoing national housing crisis, the government’s prioritization of a low-carbon economy and the mounting workforce shortage, Canada’s construction industry is in the spotlight.

Representing more than 18,000 member firms, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is capitalizing on the political attention to advocate for strategic investment and policies that will support rather than hinder efforts to build a stronger Canada.

Building beyond housing: CCA’s advocacy push

While Canada’s Housing Plan formed the centrepiece of the 2024 Federal Budget, the industry was left disappointed by several significant missed opportunities, including:

  • Next steps for the National Infrastructure Assessment
  • Investment in corresponding infrastructure for every new home built
  • A long-term plan to fill the gap in trade-enabling infrastructure
  • Modernization of procurement strategies to support shared risk
  • Meaningful collaboration with provinces, municipalities and industry

Estimates by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities indicate that each new housing unit requires $107,000 in public infrastructure investment, which means an additional $128 billion is needed to build, support and connect these homes to essential housing-enabling infrastructure. This represents a major shortfall in investment. The focus on measures to ease lending for homebuying and rezoning may only serve to exacerbate demand in the long-term with no real vision on how to increase supply.

Rod Gilbert
Rodrigue Gilbert

CCA voiced these concerns at its Meech Lake meeting in May. This meeting is a chance for industry experts from across Canada to connect with senior federal government officials to discuss critical issues affecting the industry. By working together with the Government of Canada, the construction industry can continue building resilient and sustainable infrastructure for the benefit of all Canadians.

The second of these biannual meetings is scheduled for the fall to provide another touchpoint ahead of CCA’s annual Hill Day in November. Last year’s Hill Day was CCA’s most successful yet, with close to 100 industry experts meeting with parliamentarians from all parties and regions to champion construction, and reaffirm the value of the industry to Canada’s economic growth.

Awareness to action: construction’s progress on net zero objectives

CCA released an update to its 2021 Strength, resilience, sustainability white paper in June. This broader report highlights the progress made by industry, explores the links between climate risk and infrastructure decisions and discusses the path forward in confronting the climate crisis. It also serves as a springboard for discussions with government on the need for greater investment and supportive policies to not only achieve net zero objectives, but also protect Canadians and the infrastructure they depend on daily from the escalating threats of extreme climate events.

CCA’s recently published ICIC Construction Sector Quarterly Insights Report observed that the industry is making significant gains in sustainability practices. Despite its history as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the sector is swiftly embracing measures to curb its environmental impact. There has been a notable decrease in emissions intensity across various infrastructure assets, and investments in clean technologies and materials are rising.

Continued work on trade-enabling infrastructure

The industry is gaining traction in its pursuit of a trade-enabling infrastructure investment strategy. Canada’s premiers called on the federal government to convene a First Ministers’ meeting dedicated to discussing the priorities of a strategic trade corridor infrastructure federal program, and its link to Canada’s economic growth and competitiveness.

CCA continues to work with its partners, including the Canada West Foundation and the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, and is championing a long-term planning and investment strategy that prioritizes nation-building infrastructure.

Rebuilding Canada’s construction workforce

With an estimated 300,000 workers set to retire in the next decade and increasing construction demands, there is a real need to partner with the federal government on workforce development strategies. While progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done.

CCA achieved some headway with the federal government on rebuilding Canada’s workforce through immigration reform. Immigration targets were increased, and a new process was announced under the Express Entry program to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in occupations considered a priority in Canada, including construction.

However, ongoing dialogue will continue as the government needs to create a more supportive environment to alleviate the labour choke points. This includes changing an outdated immigration point system and working with provinces to ensure better skills matching.

Canadian Construction Association

Stay in touch!

Count on CCA to be a collaborative partner to the SHCA, providing helpful tools, sharing best practices across the country and being a voice with the federal government. 

Stay in the loop by subscribing to CCA’s newsletter at bit.ly/ccasubscribe, by following @ConstructionCAN on X or by looking up the Canadian Construction Association on LinkedIn.