Recommendations
Construction plays a critical role in building the strong, sustainable economy and nation that Canadians deserve.
We want to work with all levels of government to achieve that vision. While challenges exist, Canada’s construction industry is ready to be part of the solution, bringing experience, innovation, and commitment to help governments deliver the infrastructure, housing, and jobs Canadians need.
Below are the problems holding our industry and our country back, and the solutions that can help move Canada forward.
We’re ready to build, but we need you.
Here’s how the Government of Canada can unlock construction’s full potential:
RECOMMIT to Canada’s construction workforce
Canada’s construction sector faces a critical labour shortage. Apprenticeship recruitment and skills training are not keeping pace with demand, and current immigration pathways do not sufficiently prioritize construction-based immigration.
What we need:
- Collaboration with industry through investments to promote careers in construction.
- Funding for apprenticeships and training to expand the domestic workforce pipeline for both union and non-union workers
- Streamlined immigration pathways to align newcomer skillsets and credentials with sectoral needs.
REINVEST in Canada’s infrastructure
Canada’s stop-and-go- approach to infrastructure investment has cost the economy an estimated one-third of potential GDP growth, reducing the economic rate of returns by 8.6 per cent. At the same time, there’s little public reporting on where the money goes or how projects are progressing.
What we need:
- Stable and long-term infrastructure funding that supports housing, trade, and economic growth.
- Infrastructure investment and maintenance plans that are aligned with long-term national priorities.
- Improved transparency and reporting to track outcomes, delays, and reallocations.
RETHINK Canadian procurement
The short-sighted tradition of relying on the lowest bid trades long-term value for short-term savings – and Canadians are left paying the price. Outdated procurement practices also delay projects, drive up costs, and shift financial risk on contractors.
What we need:
- Faster, more efficient federal tendering processes that accelerate project starts.
- Procurement models that prioritize value, sustainability, and innovation over lowest-cost bids.
- Improved collaboration and fair risk-sharing to transform project delivery speed.
REIMAGINE the construction supply chain
Canada’s construction sector continues to face long approval timelines and ongoing disruptions – from the impacts of COVID-19 to global shipping delays and trade conflicts. These challenges threaten the delivery of critical infrastructure and housing.
What we need:
- Targeted economic measures to stimulate construction activity and offset financial losses from supply chain disruptions.
- Support Canadian businesses indirectly impacted by the trade response, through structured engagement and consultation.
- Investment in trade infrastructure and corridors to bolster the flow of goods, and Canadian competitiveness.