by Rodrigue Gilbert Rodrigue Gilbert

As Canada navigates a year of political change and economic turbulence, one message is cutting through the noise in Ottawa: construction is essential to our country’s future.

Thanks to the unwavering support and collaboration of partner association members like the SHCA, CCA is not only elevating our industry’s national voice. We are turning that voice into action, influence and results. With infrastructure central to the federal government’s economic and political strategy, our industry is at the core of every national priority.

Advocacy that drives results

CCA’s advocacy has never been more visible, or more vital. Since Parliament’s return, our Public Affairs team has been working around the clock to ensure construction priorities are front and centre in federal policy decisions. Our efforts last fall have focused on aligning the federal government’s building agenda with industry needs, achieving several major milestones:

  • Budget 2025: We conducted an in-depth analysis of the federal budget that confirms construction’s critical role in delivering on national priorities. This was complemented by a strong media strategy, resulting in CCA being featured by mainstream media outlets like The Globe and Mail, CTV’s Vassy Kapelos Show and CBC National News.

  • Hill Day 2025: With record participation, unprecedented engagement and a high-profile reception, this year’s Hill Day provided an opportunity to reinforce our messages to ministers, Members of Parliament and staff that our industry plays a vital role in driving Canada’s growth. The number of meetings secured and the strong turnout at our signature reception demonstrated CCA’s expanding influence and growing profile with this new government. Our message was further amplified through a targeted public campaign that included a press conference, extensive media outreach and major-market advertising of our We Build Canada campaign.

  • Policy development through government engagement: CCA is actively monitoring and engaging with the deployment of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s building agenda through consultations on BCH, the MPO, the NIA and the Buy-Canadian procurement policy to ensure construction perspectives are heard and incorporated. Both the MPO and NIA represent significant wins for our industry, reflecting our advocacy for increased investment, reduced red tape and evidence-based planning to guide infrastructure decisions.

  • Meech Lake meeting: We co-hosted another successful meeting with senior federal officials to discuss the challenges and opportunities for federal construction projects and procurement. Topics ranged from supply chain disruptions to security clearance bottlenecks.

  • Fall 2025 Quarterly Economic Insights: We released our latest quarterly report, reaffirming our commitment to providing timely, data-driven insights into the state of the construction industry. The regular publication of these reports increases visibility into our sector’s needs, particularly in the lead-up to a pivotal federal budget.

These activities reflect a simple truth: that CCA stands as the trusted voice and leading source of insight for government, media and industry stakeholders.

Programs that strengthen partnerships and professional development

Beyond advocacy, CCA is broadening its suite of tools and programs, introducing new initiatives and refining existing resources to further strengthen and support the construction industry. Over 100 construction leaders attended CCA’s inaugural Best Practices in Construction Symposium in Toronto, Ont., on Oct. 30 and 31, 2025. Designed specifically for the professionals who lead day-to-day construction operations – from site supervisors and project managers to estimators and contractors – the two-day event tackled the real-world challenges of delivering complex projects in today’s environment.

After a strong turnout in the spring of 2025, we added a fall round to our Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) Seminars. New sessions were scheduled in Montreal, Que., Niagara, Ottawa and Toronto, Ont., and Vancouver and Victoria, B.C., last November. These seminars provide a deep dive into updated construction management contracts, including CCDC 5A, 5B and 17, as well as the CCDC 30 integrated project delivery guide and contract.

Meanwhile, the Gold Seal Certification Program has modernized with the launch of the new Gold Seal portal and directory last May, streamlining the application process and boosting certification visibility. With 600 applicants across all categories and 64 recognized Gold Seal Employers, the program remains a national standard for leadership in construction.

We are also modernizing how we deliver services across the country. A key initiative is the development of SignaSur™, CCA’s new digital platform for construction document delivery. Starting in October, members had the opportunity to test the platform. The board has approved the pricing strategy for traditional document sales, with the complete transition to SignaSur™ on track for Jan. 1, 2027. SignaSur™ is poised to offer secure, accessible and modern access to essential construction documents, helping raise the standard for project excellence in Canada.

Events that connect the industry

Planning is well underway for CCA’s 2026 Annual Conference, taking place March 10 to13 in San Diego, California. The event will bring industry leaders together to explore the forces shaping construction’s future, from strategic infrastructure for nation-building to workforce development and emerging technologies.

We are also pleased to announce that the Honourable Jean Charest, former deputy prime minister of Canada and premier of Québec, will be our closing keynote speaker. His perspective on Canada’s political and economic direction promises to be both timely and thought-provoking. More details on sessions, speakers and registration options are available on the CCA website.

The road ahead

CCA is moving full speed ahead to ensure the momentum we built is not lost. The construction sector, backed by partners like the 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.