by SHCA SHCA

National Infrastructure Assessment Underscores Urgent Need for Delivery-Focused Reforms

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) welcomed the release of the National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA), noting that its findings strongly substantiate CCA’s long-standing recommendations for long-term planning, modernized delivery systems and the core infrastructure required to support Canada’s housing ambitions.

CCA president Rodrigue Gilbert says the assessment reinforces a message the industry has long emphasized: Canada cannot build more homes without the enabling infrastructure required to support them. “We are pleased to see the NIA clearly recognize that housing cannot accelerate without major improvements to water and wastewater capacity, solid waste management and public transit access,” said Gilbert. “These are the foundational systems that determine whether communities can grow.”

By providing a detailed snapshot of Canada’s housing-enabling infrastructure, the NIA reinforced the challenges CCA has consistently raised. The assessment shows that over $126 billion of infrastructure is in “poor or very poor condition,” with 11 per cent of water and wastewater assets and more than 13 per cent of public transit assets at risk, and solid waste infrastructure approaching capacity limits. This re-emphasizes the need for governments to act decisively to support safe, resilient and growing communities.

While the NIA provided an important national roadmap, CCA notes several areas where further action is needed:

  • Workforce gaps: The report focuses primarily on engineering students, without addressing the broader construction trades, vocational training and apprenticeships critical to meeting labour demand.
  • Data limitations: The NIA provides a snapshot of infrastructure conditions using 2022-2023 data, but lacks a plan for regularly updated, comprehensive information to guide evidence-based decisions.
  • Annual publication and stakeholder engagement: CCA recommends an NIA be published annually, developed with extensive engagement of relevant stakeholders, reflecting diverse perspectives and using evidence from infrastructure, economic and growth data to support long-term asset management planning.
  • Future scope: While the current NIA focuses on housing-enabling infrastructure, future assessments should also address transport and trade-enabling infrastructure to strengthen economic resilience and bolster our supply chains.

“The assessment provides a clear national vision, but delivery depends on coherent policy frameworks that support it,” said Gilbert. “To turn these findings into action, we need a workforce strategy that reflects real labour-market needs, fair, open and transparent procurement policies, supply chains that remain resilient under new domestic sourcing rules and internal trade policies that break down barriers between provinces. Without these elements, even the strongest infrastructure plan risks stalling on implementation.”

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.

Arm holding yellow hard hat against hip
by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Welcomes Long Overdue Federal Leadership on the National Infrastructure Assessment

After four years on the shelf, the federal government announced the council appointed to deliver the National Infrastructure Assessment. This initiative has long been a cornerstone of the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) advocacy, with representatives recently raising awareness of the issue on Parliament Hill in November.

The newly-appointed Canadian Infrastructure Council will prioritize housing-enabling infrastructure like water, wastewater, public transit, active transportation and waste management. While this is a promising first step, more action is needed. Infrastructure demands across the country also include transportation and trade-enabling projects, which are vital to strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy and connecting communities.

“We are thrilled to see the federal government finally take leadership in addressing the need for a long-term plan for Canada’s infrastructure,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “While the scope of the council is incomplete, we do appreciate the government finally listening to the industry responsible for building Canada’s infrastructure.”

While the industry is overall pleased with the announcement, the newly-formed Canadian Infrastructure Council lacks clear industry and financial representation. CCA has long urged the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities to appoint an independent representative from the construction industry to the council. Failing to consult with those that build the infrastructure Canadians rely on, and those that finance it, will create significant challenges. Without this input, there will be a lack of understanding on key issues, limitations and opportunities that exist in building a strong and resilient Canada. 

CCA will continue to monitor the development and progress of the Canadian Infrastructure Council and welcome further consultation with industry and the federal government.