Politics, partnerships, and progress: Insights from the 2026 CCA Conference
San Diego, California set the stage for the 2026 CCA Annual Conference, where more than 500 construction leaders, including 141 first-time attendees, gathered to tackle the most pressing issues facing the industry today.
From navigating evolving Canada-U.S. relations and geopolitical uncertainty to addressing supply chain pressures and advancing Canada’s ambitious building agenda, the four-day event offered delegates timely insights, expert perspectives, and practical strategies to position their companies for success.
Brison and Charest frame the conversation
The conference was bookended by two of Canada’s most influential political voices.
The Honourable Scott Brison set the tone for the conference with a powerful opening keynote (sponsored by Procore), offering a clear-eyed look at the complex economic landscape facing the industry. With trade tensions reshaping cross-border relationships, supply chains under pressure and governments rethinking procurement and infrastructure priorities, the former President of the Treasury Board, now Vice-Chair of BMO Wealth, drew on both senior federal leadership and private-sector experience to offer timely insights on navigating uncertainty and positioning for growth.
The week closed with a provocative keynote from the Honourable Jean Charest (sponsored by EllisDon Corporation), former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and a leading voice on Canada-U.S. relation. Now serving on the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations and the steering committee of the Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC), his perspective on trade and diplomacy provided delegates with a national perspective on the evolving Canada-U.S. relationship and what it means for Canada’s construction and infrastructure sectors in the years ahead.
North American CEOs and political insiders share insights
At the CEO leadership panel, sponsored by Buildots, Rodrigue Gilbert, President of the Canadian Construction Association, was joined by Jeffrey Shoaf, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, and Mario Salazar, Vice-President of Institutional Relations at the Cámara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcción, for an open exchange on the current and future state of the construction industry across North America.
A panel of political insiders analyzed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first year in office, breaking down its impact on construction, business, and the wider economy. Delegates left armed with insider insights, actionable takeaways, and a front-row view of the policies and power players shaping the sector’s future.
Equipping delegates with tools and takeaways for success
This year’s conference featured 17 sessions with 56 speakers, covering a range of topics from strategic infrastructure for nation-building (sponsored by BLG) and the 2026 Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review to constructing the next-generation workforce and unlocking opportunity in housing policy.
Sessions also explored the evolution of Canada’s standard construction contracts (sponsored by Procore), how organizations are embedding a zero-harm mindset across every phase of project delivery (sponsored by Northbridge Insurance), and how innovative, data-driven procurement strategies are helping unlock the potential of smart infrastructure (Ledcor Group of Companies).
Delegates in attendance gained actionable insights to position their companies for success in the years ahead.
Building belonging and celebrating excellence
The sense of community was palpable throughout the conference.
In a panel conversation on the future construction workforce, sponsored by Pomerleau, senior leaders discussed the realities of recruitment, retention, and workplace culture, highlighting the vital role women will play in the industry’s next chapter.
The CONtact mentorship program took centre stage with the Innovator’s Pitch, sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing and fostering connections between seasoned professionals and the next generation of industry leaders.
A key moment of the event was the CCA National Awards breakfast ceremony, presented by Northbridge Insurance, where we celebrated excellence across Canada’s construction industry.
From innovative projects to outstanding leadership and community impact, these awards showcased the dedication and talent that drive the sector forward.
Connecting through shared moments
Delegates also took advantage of the many networking and social activities throughout the conference.
The first day started with a CCA golf tournament, sponsored by Zurich Canada, at Steele Canyon Golf Club. For those not hitting the links, an optional visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo provided a relaxed and enjoyable way to experience one of the area’s most well-known attractions. Later that evening first-time attendees were welcomed at a special reception, sponsored by Black & McDonald, which led into a SoCal-themed Welcoming Night, presented by Travelers Canada, where delegates enjoyed the tastes, sounds, and vibrant atmosphere of Southern California.
The excitement continued with a variety of social events that brought delegates together in unique ways. The Fun Night Yacht Rock Party, sponsored by EllisDon Corporation and Intact Surety, brought the ultimate throwback vibes with smooth classics setting the soundtrack for a lively evening, while the Beachside Bites networking lunch, sponsored by Canam Group, offered a relaxed coastal-themed gathering, complete with a playful lifeguard cameo.
The conference concluded with a vintage Hollywood and Oscars–themed Closing Gala, where delegates stepped into the glamour of Tinseltown for an evening of red-carpet moments and dazzling entertainment, made possible by the sponsorship of Graham Construction and Navacord. Taking on hosting duties with style and his signature sense of humour, Louis-Philippe Champagne, CCA’s Associate Vice-President of Public Affairs and Industry Practices, kept the energy high throughout the night.
Take a minute to relive some of the special moment captured at the conference.
Throughout the conference, networking breaks, sponsored by OpenCircle and Synergy Group of Companies, gave attendees valuable time to connect between sessions. Hospitality Hours and the After Dark Lounge, with sponsorship from Aon Reed Stenhouse, Maxwell Floors Ltd., MNP, Northbridge Insurance, Pomerleau, and WTW provided additional opportunities to unwind and socialize.
Staying connected was seamless thanks to Western Surety Company’s sponsorship of the Wi-Fi and Aecon Construction Group’s sponsorship of the conference app. Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company ensured easy access to rooms with sponsored key cards, while PLATFORM provided the conference lanyards and Liberty Mutual Insurance supported the conference badges. We also thank Aviva Canada for welcoming delegates with a special room drop and Peter Kiewit Sons ULC for helping attendees stay hydrated with their water tumblers.
With so many opportunities to engage, network, and celebrate, the CCA’s 2026 Annual Conference left delegates inspired, informed, and ready to lead Canada’s construction industry forward.
We can’t wait to do it all again next year!