Standing Strong Against Tariffs

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.