CCA Weekly - February 14, 2012

Economy

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Outlines Approach to Tackle Barriers to Competitiveness

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched a 10-point national plan aimed at helping Canada regain its competitive edge in the global economy, and outlined the Top Ten Barriers to Competitiveness for Canadian businesses. These include labour shortages, research and innovation, and aging infrastructure. Read more

Construction Stocks Building Momentum

Canadian infrastructure and construction stocks that have exposure to Alberta’s oil sands have been front runners in the equity market’s impressive double-digit rally since October and look poised for more outsized gains through the remainder of 2012, analysts say. Read more

Building Permits Increase to Highest Levels since 2007

Municipalities issued building permits worth $6.8 billion in December, up 11.1% from November. This is the highest level since June 2007. On the non-residential side, both institutional and industrial permits saw decreases, while commercial permits saw increases. Read more

Innovation and Technology

London & District Construction Association to study information and communication

The London & District Construction Association (LDCA) is embarking on a groundbreaking project that will assess the use of information and communication technology (ICT) throughout the entire five phases of a construction project. Read more

Institute for BIM in Canada Bulletin

The Institute for BIM in Canada (IBC) released its third bulletin, announcing the release of its survey results, and highlighting some of the projects IBC is working on as it moves forward. Read more

Labour

TD Report Says Revised Immigration Approach can help Address Labour Shortages

The federal government could put the equivalent of 370,000 more people to work if it tweaked the immigration system to focus on the long-term needs of the job market, says a new report by Toronto-Dominion Bank. Read more