by SHCA SHCA

Canadian Construction Association Applauds Federal Budget’s Significant Infrastructure Investments, Calls for Co-ordinated Workforce Strategy

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) welcomes the federal budget, which puts construction at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy through investments in infrastructure, defence and housing. These measures are critical to supporting the businesses and people who build the homes, transportation networks and other projects Canadians rely on every day.

CCA commends the government’s significant $115 billion investment in infrastructure, including $51 billion for local infrastructure such as housing and transportation, which will support communities across Canada and enable the ambitious homebuilding agenda.

“Canada has underinvested in critical infrastructure for decades,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of CCA. “These investments reflect the essential role of housing-enabling infrastructure in addressing the national housing shortage and committing substantial resources to these projects.” CCA also welcomes investment for the Major Projects Office, and the recognition within the budget that “for too long, the construction of major infrastructure in Canada has been stalled by arduous, inefficient approval processes.”

While the budget marks an important step toward recognizing construction’s role in Canada’s economy, CCA continues to call for a co-ordinated national workforce strategy, one that connects immigration, apprenticeships, upskilling and the destigmatization of careers in the skilled trades. “The construction sector employs 1.6 million Canadians and contributes $165 billion to Canada’s GDP, yet we continue to face significant labour shortages,” said Gilbert. “Without a long-term, co-ordinated workforce strategy, any ambitious construction agenda will stall.”

The government’s investment in foreign credential recognition is also important. However, CCA cautions that it is too narrowly focused on unionized programs. “Union training programs play an important role in building Canada’s workforce, but we must ensure equitable access to training and credential recognition for all workers, including the 70 per cent of Canada’s construction workforce that is non-unionized,” said Gilbert. “If we want to build more homes and infrastructure faster, we need investments that don’t leave the majority of workers behind.”

Finally, CCA supports the government’s ambition to strengthen domestic industry, but procurement policies must not unintentionally restrict the construction supply chain. Canada’s builders depend on a reliable flow of materials and components. Continued dialogue with the construction sector is critical to ensuring that domestic sourcing policies strengthen rather than constrain Canada’s ability to build.

“We look forward to working with the federal government to ensure domestic sourcing policies strengthen – not constrain – Canada’s construction capacity,” said Gilbert. “When [the] government and industry work together, we can deliver more skilled workers, modern infrastructure and stronger communities. Together, we build Canada.”

SHCA facebook video screenshot
by SHCA SHCA

MLA Reception a Success

The SHCA had a fantastic turnout to its annual MLA reception at the Legislative Building on Oct. 28. Thanks to the sponsors of the event, Morsky Construction and C. Duncan Construction, the provincial MLAs from both the current government and the opposition that joined us, the members from Regina’s city council and all the SHCA members that came out!

It was a great event, with great conversations!

  Watch video here.
Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Fall Focus: Engaging Government on Infrastructure Priorities

Shantel Lipp

Fall is the time for our industry to wind down its seasonal work and start to plan for the next year. It is also the time when the SHCA shifts into high engagement gear with several opportunities for our industry to speak with and inform the decision-makers on the issues impacting our industry. For those in government, fall is a busy time as well. On Nov. 4, the federal government released Budget 2025. This is the first budget to be delivered by the Carney government. Fall is also when the provincial government begins its budget deliberations for 2026–27.

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, the federal government will be releasing its budget. This will be the first budget to be delivered by the Carney government, and many in the industry are watching closely to see what commitments to infrastructure will be made.

Fall is also the time when the provincial government begins the process of its budget deliberations for 2026-27. The provincial government laid out its legislative priorities this month when it opened the legislative session with its speech from the throne. Government priorities focused on health care, education and public safety. Although infrastructure funding was mentioned in the speech, it was only in reference to what has been committed to in the past. As an association, it is our duty to ensure elected officials understand how commitments to infrastructure funding tie directly back to their government’s priorities.

While fall is a time to wind down some operations, the SHCA is winding up its work on reaching the ear of government. Our outreach is to ensure that our priorities become government priorities.

Engagement update

The SHCA continues to be active with our outreach to the government on several fronts. On Oct. 22, I was at the Legislative Building for the government’s speech from the throne. The next day, I was able to attend the annual Premier’s Dinner in Regina and had the opportunity to talk to a few government MLAs and cabinet members on the issues impacting our industry.

The following week, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, the SHCA hosted its annual MLA Reception at the Legislative Buildings in Regina. The event was once again well attended by MLAs from the government and the opposition, and this year also included members from Regina’s city council. After our brief presentation, our SHCA board and staff were able to speak one-on-one with elected officials and reaffirm how our industry is key to keeping the Saskatchewan economy growing.

The SHCA also co-hosted an industry-government mixer with Merit Contractors in Saskatoon on Friday, Nov. 7. On Dec. 3 to 4, the SHCA will be hosting its third annual Infrastructure Summit and Trade Show at the Delta Convention Centre in Regina.

Straight prairie road in Alberta, Canada. Yellow line. Blue sky.
by SHCA SHCA

Highway 201 Now Designated Chief Kahkewistahaw Way 

Straight prairie road in Alberta, Canada. Yellow line. Blue sky.

A provincial highway north of Broadview is being named to honour one of the original signers of Treaty 4. Highway 201 will now have the dual designation of Highway 201 Chief Kahkewistahaw Way. The 20-kilometre highway runs through Kahkewistahaw First Nation. Chief Kahkewistahaw signed Treaty 4 on Sept. 15, 1874. 

“Chief Kahkewistahaw Way recognizes a visionary chief who led his people with great distinction,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “We are grateful to Chief Evan Taypotat for recommending this dual designation, which will remind us of one of the people who shaped the history of this region.” 

“Chief Kahkewistahaw was known for his unwavering commitment to his people and his ability to adapt to changing times while protecting our traditional lands,” Kahkewistahaw Chief Evan Taypotat said. “This renaming honours not just a great chief, but represents our ongoing journey of reconciliation and the important recognition of Indigenous leadership in the history of these lands.” 

When a highway receives dual designation, the original highway number remains. This ensures consistency for emergency responders, shippers, travellers and online mapping services. Commemorative signs will be added to Highway 201 markers recognizing that the road is now known as Chief Kahkewistahaw Way. The distinctive sign design was developed in consultation with community members. The name was approved by a committee that included representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Town of Broadview and Rural Municipality of Elcapo. 

Highway 201 is the third provincial highway to receive a dual designation honouring an Indigenous leader, following Highway 11 Louis Riel Trail and Highway 219 Chief Whitecap Trail. 

by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Construction Week: Industry Leads in Growth 

The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed Sept. 22 to 27 as Saskatchewan Construction Week. The proclamation aims to raise awareness of the vital role the construction sector plays in growing the provincial economy. In 2024, the industry contributed 7.1 per cent to Saskatchewan’s real GDP.

“Our construction sector is, quite literally, helping build a better future here in this great province,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said.

Saskatchewan Canada

“Thanks to the industry’s hard work and our focus on improving the lives of citizens, more people than ever before are choosing to call Saskatchewan home. This influx of people has led to a construction boom, which shows just how crucial this sector is to job creation.”

In 2024, 42,700 people were employed in Saskatchewan’s construction sector, rising to 51,300 as of June 2025. More than 8,000 jobs were added in the industry in the first half of the year alone. The value of Saskatchewan’s construction sector increased by 13.2 per cent between 2023 and 2024. This growth has largely been driven by new residents moving to the province, which has caused housing starts to increase by 84 per cent in the first six months of 2025. Building permits were also up 58.8 per cent in the first five months of the year. Both increases rank first among the provinces for year-to-date growth.  

These significant contributions help Saskatchewan achieve record-breaking GDP results year after year. In 2024, the province’s real GDP at basic prices reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent. 

Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for investors and outlines why Saskatchewan continues to be the best place to do business in Canada. 

by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Celebrates the Government’s Initial Portfolio of Nation-Building Projects

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) applauded the Major Projects Office’s (MPO) announcement of important, nation-building infrastructure projects, which will receive expedited approvals and priority status. 

“We have been advocating for the reduction of red tape and greater investment in national, shovel-worthy infrastructure projects for many years, including through our leadership of the Canadian Trade Infrastructure Plan,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “Today’s announcement further cements the importance of our industry and the role we play in supporting and enhancing the everyday lives of millions of Canadians, enabling our national economy and bolstering our supply chains.” 

These projects send a strong signal from the federal government of its commitment to national infrastructure and a long-term plan for critical infrastructure. This new focus will boost Canada’s economy, unlock its natural resources and create well-paying jobs for countless Canadians. 

The announcement is also a major success for CCA, which has long advocated for the Canadian Trade Infrastructure Plan, a long-term investment solution aimed at spurring the next generation of economic growth in Canada through investment in road, rail, air, port and marine assets. The prioritization of several trade infrastructure projects is a step in the right direction. 

“We are very happy to see that the government clearly made an effort to prioritize shovel-worthy projects, not just shovel-ready projects,” said Gilbert. “We can always find projects to build, but we must prioritize those projects that will move the needle for our economy, and we believe the federal government has done just that.” 

CCA looks forward to building on this progress by continuing its work with the federal government to ensure that the MPO and the government consult with industry and invest in projects that will strengthen our economy and build a stronger Canada together. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

From Summer Projects to Fall Planning

Shantel Lipp

Looking at summer in the rearview mirror gives our industry time to reflect on how much work was done in the province during construction season. SHCA members were busy throughout the summer, working on projects in all corners of Saskatchewan to ensure that our roads and travel paths remained serviceable and safe.  

SHCA remained busy over the summer, hosting and preparing for our fall events. We were pleased to hold our Northern Golf Tournament at the Dakota Dune Resort in Whitecap Dakota First Nation in September. The golf tournament gave us the opportunity to socialize and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Dakota Dunes Resort. It also gave us the time to discuss the industry’s future in Saskatchewan and how best to tackle issues that impact heavy construction.  

Our engagement with the government steadily continues to keep the Ministry of Highways informed about issues impacting the industry. At the end of August, the Ministry of Highways released the fall tender plan for new highway construction projects. SHCA has received feedback from several of its members, and it will ask the entire membership for their opinions and concerns regarding the plan. This will help us bring forward to the government any issues and concerns with the plan that impact our heavy construction industry.  

Engagement update

As previously noted, SHCA held its Northern Golf Tournament last month and had the honour of hosting David Marit, Minister of Highways, for a portion of the event. This was an opportunity for our members to speak directly with Marit about their businesses and the industry’s current state, and offer suggestions on ways to strengthen heavy construction in Saskatchewan.  

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, SHCA will again host its annual MLA Reception at the Legislative Building in Regina. All MLAs from the government and the opposition are invited to attend our brief presentation and then enjoy the reception. This event is always an excellent opportunity for us to talk to government members and share our success stories.  

SHCA will also co-host an industry-government mixer with Merit Contractors in Saskatoon on Friday, Nov. 7.