Return to Parliament: What 2026 brings for construction
Parliament returns on January 26, 2026, marking Prime Minister Carney’s first full session since taking office. The fall session was active on the advocacy front, particularly following the release of Budget 2025, which emphasized the government’s commitment to “spend less, so Canada can invest more.”
Key investments included:
- $115 billion for infrastructure
- $264 million to streamline construction approvals
- $5 billion for the Trade Diversification Corridor Fund
- $4.8 billion for reskilling and support programs for industry workers
These and other initiatives present significant opportunities for the construction sector.
Canada’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA) was released with a focus on housing-enabling infrastructure, detailing a 25-year infrastructure outlook and highlighting the need to improve workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, unpredictable infrastructure investments, and outdated procurement, which are explicit references to CCA’s core advocacy pillars and recommendations.
The federal government also officially launched the Buy Canadian policy, prioritizing Canadian suppliers and materials in federal purchasing decisions to spur domestic demand. These initiatives are expected to expand by spring 2026.
Furthermore, two bills were passed through the House before the session break and are pending study by the Senate: C-4: Making Life More Affordable for Canadians and C-12: Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. The fall session also saw two floor crossers and one resignation, all from the Conservative Party.
Politically, the year ahead will be shaped by the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with the option to renew or let the deal expire. This unfolds alongside Prime Minister Carney’s push for geopolitical trade diversification through multiple trade missions to the European Union, China, India, and Qatar. Domestically, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces a mandatory leadership review on January 29-31, while the NDP will select its new leader on March 27-29.
What’s ahead for CCA this spring
As we continue to operate in an evolving global environment, CCA is gearing up for our flagship event: CCA’s 2026 Annual Conference in San Diego, California, from March 10-13, 2026. This year’s conference carries added significance, emphasizing cross-border dialogue amid political and economic volatility, ensuring that Canadian industry voices are heard on the North American and global stage.
As policies and updates emerge, CCA will monitor these initiatives and report on any developments affecting construction.
For more on CCA’s advocacy work, please contact Louis-Philippe Champagne, Associate Vice-President, Public Affairs and Industry Practices.