CCA Weekly - October 25, 2011

Construction associations back permanent gas tax fund transfers

The federal government’s introduction of legislation to make permanent the annual transfer of funds to municipalities, under the Gas Tax Fund (GTF), is a critical infrastructure redevelopment step, says the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).

“Canada’s cities are the economic engines that will continue to drive growth and prosperity for future generations of Canadians,” said Michael Atkinson, CCA president. Read more

Investment in Non-Residential Building Construction Drops

After 6 consecutive quarters of growth, investments in non-residential building construction decreased 1.3% to $11.1 billion in the third quarter. This decline was largely driven by a continuing downward trend in investment in institutional building construction. Both industrial and institutional sectors saw declines last quarter, while commercial investment increased slightly. However, its growth is also slowing. Read more

Canadian Construction Association forms new committee to examine labour shortages

A Canadian Construction Association (CCA) committee has struck two task forces to find industry-led solutions to the issues of labour shortage and mobility facing construction.

“We need to understand what the picture is before we can make any decisions and implement any directions,” explained Chris Lorenc, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association president.

“If we understand what the labour market information trends are we can then prioritize our solutions and directions. Are they national, provincial, regional or local initiatives?” Read more

Harris Decima poll finds Canadians divided on use of tolls for infrastructure funding

Canadians are divided on whether tolls should be used to help pay for major infrastructure projects like new highways and bridges, a new survey suggests. Read more

Industry leaders expected at Canadian Construction Association’s Toronto forum

Industry leaders will be re-thinking the basics of construction at the upcoming Canadian Construction Association’s Construction (CCA) Industry Leaders Forum.

“We’re really looking at re-thinking the basics and really trying to understand if the time-tested ways of doing business still exist in a world that’s changing, in an industry that’s fast-changing,” explained Martha George, President of the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA). Read more