Ontario Construction News staff writer
Representatives from the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) will meet with Members of Parliament in Ottawa today, looking for action on labour shortages and procurement issues.
“Our key priorities this year include securing increased investment in infrastructure, addressing the ongoing labour shortage, and modernizing procurement processes to improve efficiency and outcomes across the sector,” CCA President Rodrigue Gilbert said in a news release. “A strong and healthy construction sector is the key to a solid Canadian economy. But outdated procurement strategies, labour shortages, and lack of adequate investment are preventing the industry from realizing its full potential.
“Construction leaders from across the country will be on Parliament Hill advocating for urgent intervention from the federal government.”
As part of the Canadian Construction Association’s annual Hill Day, Canada’s construction industry is calling on the federal government to:
- Invest in long-term infrastructure, with a focus on housing, transportation, and trade-enabling projects.
- Grow the construction workforce to address critical labour shortages.
- Modernize procurement processes and cut unnecessary red tape.
Construction contributes $162 billion annually to Canada’s GDP and employs over 1.6 million Canadians. Supporting construction means supporting job creation, trade, critical infrastructure, productivity, and growth.
“It’s not promises that build the economy – it’s construction. It drives growth, creates jobs, and builds and maintains the essential infrastructure we all depend on,” Gilbert said. “To secure Canada’s future, we need to invest in infrastructure, expand our workforce, and modernize procurement. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Canada.”\
Builders are asking for substantial changes in how the federal government approaches infrastructure investment, workforce development, and procurement. By cutting red tape, collaborating on a long-term vision for infrastructure, and addressing labour challenges, we can deliver the projects Canadians need for a stronger future.
