Building infrastructure in Canada has never been more challenging. Critical transportation routes must be built faster. Trade corridors must operate without interruption. Aging assets require urgent rehabilitation. Communities must remain connected. All of this is unfolding amid rising costs, regulatory hurdles and economic uncertainty that continue to complicate project delivery.
For companies on the ground, success depends on having a strong, co-ordinated national voice that can influence the policies, investments and frameworks shaping how infrastructure gets built in this country. That is the role of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).
Keeping construction at the centre of Canada’s economic agenda
In a year marked by geopolitical change and economic disruption, one outcome mattered above all: keeping construction central to Canada’s growth strategy.
Working alongside regional partners such as SHCA, CCA has been actively advancing industry priorities across key federal files. This includes engagement on the renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, efforts to accelerate approvals for major projects, support for trade diversification and shaping Buy Canadian procurement policies to ensure construction considerations are embedded in federal decisions. Through direct dialogue with policy-makers and a growing national media presence, CCA has positioned construction as central to solving Canada’s biggest challenges, from housing supply and trade capacity to economic resilience and defence.
This repositioning has produced measurable results. It has helped keep infrastructure investment a federal priority, while reinforcing the industry’s role as a key partner in delivering national priorities. At the same time, the industry has gained a more consistent seat at the table, strengthening our ability to influence national initiatives before they reach the job site. This level of visibility does not happen by accident. It is built through sustained, strategic advocacy, and it benefits every company working in the sector.
In a year marked by geopolitical change and economic disruption, one outcome mattered above all: keeping construction central to Canada’s growth strategy.
At Hill Day 2025, more than 100 industry leaders participated in over 100 meetings with ministers, Members of Parliament and senior staff. Record attendance, a high-profile reception and a co-ordinated public campaign – including a press conference and major-market advertising under the We Build Canada banner – demonstrated CCA’s growing influence with the federal government.
That advocacy will continue this summer with our Construction for Canadians Tour, which will bring construction’s impact to life through site visits to active and recently completed projects across Canada, culminating in an 11-episode docuseries showcasing the people and projects building Canada’s communities and economy.
From advocacy to action: Shaping long-term infrastructure planning
For years, the construction industry has called for a more co-ordinated, long-term approach to infrastructure planning in Canada – one that moves beyond short-term funding announcements toward predictable, strategic investment. Now, that shift is underway. Federal initiatives such as the creation of a Major Projects Office and the National Infrastructure Assessment reflect priorities long championed by CCA: better data, clearer project pipelines and faster, more predictable approvals.
These changes have direct, practical implications for how construction contractors operate. A clearer national project pipeline gives companies the confidence to invest in equipment, innovation and the workforce, while evidence-based planning and better alignment ensure that projects move forward based on the real needs of provinces and municipalities, not on timing or politics. This is what effective national advocacy looks like: aligning government action with industry reality.
Reducing barriers and modernizing procurement
Regulatory complexity and outdated procurement practices remain major obstacles to infrastructure delivery. Lengthy approvals, overlapping jurisdictions and unclear requirements can delay projects for years. At the same time, unbalanced contracts and unclear risk allocation discourage participation, inflate costs and increase the likelihood of disputes.
Through ongoing engagement with federal officials, including our semi-annual joint meetings with government and regular participation in government consultations, CCA has advocated for faster permitting, improved coordination across departments and reduced duplication, alongside fairer risk allocation, more transparent bid processes and procurement models that support collaboration. Progress is being made. Federal efforts to modernize project approvals and accelerate major builds are beginning to reflect these priorities, while procurement practices emphasizing early collaboration are gradually evolving.
Tackling the workforce challenge
Across the country, contractors are dealing with persistent labour shortages at a time when demand for construction continues to grow. Major projects, housing-enabling infrastructure and efforts to strengthen trade corridors all depend on a skilled, available workforce. Without it, even well-funded and well-planned projects face delays, higher costs and increased risk. CCA has made workforce development a central focus of its advocacy, recognizing that long-term infrastructure investment must be matched by long-term workforce capacity.
At the federal level, this includes advancing policies that support skilled trades training, improve labour mobility across regions and streamline immigration pathways for qualified workers. CCA has also emphasized the need for better alignment between workforce programs and industry demand, ensuring that training and funding decisions reflect where shortages are most acute.
This is what effective national advocacy looks like: aligning government action with industry reality.
Attracting and retaining talent is equally critical. This involves raising awareness of construction careers, supporting a more inclusive workforce and reinforcing the industry’s role as a source of stable, well-paying jobs across the country. Together, these efforts aim to ensure the construction workforce can meet current demand while building the capacity needed for the future.
The road ahead
CCA is moving full speed ahead to ensure the momentum we’ve built is not lost. The construction sector, backed by partners like SHCA, will continue to push for policies and investments that 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.
President at Canadian Construction Association – Association canadienne de la construction.