Your voice in Ottawa: CCA’s spring advocacy recap
As Parliament rises for the summer, it marks the end of a busy spring session for both the federal government and the construction industry in Ottawa. From the government securing a majority to the release of the Spring Economic Statement (SES), the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has been working to ensure the construction sector’s voice is where decisions are being made.
For CCA members, that means having a direct seat at the table for future discussions on policy initiatives affecting our industry.
Bringing construction’s voice to Parliament
Set against the backdrop of the high-stakes Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review, CCA seized the opportunity to highlight the critical role that North American free trade plays in supporting Canada’s economy.
This spring, CCA appeared before both the Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) and the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA), advocating for policies that support investment, strengthen supply chains, and maintain Canada’s economic competitiveness.
Click below for a full recap.
Construction has a seat the table
In the spring session alone, CCA engaged directly with key federal departments, including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Transport Canada (TC), the Major Projects Office (MPO), and the Canadian Infrastructure Council (CIC).
These consultations focused on issues that matter most to members, including:
- Supporting the delivery of major infrastructure and nation-building projects
- Improving access to skilled talent through immigration pathways
- Strengthening procurement practices and reducing barriers for contractors
This widespread engagement has also led to further discussions with parliamentarians, ensuring that the industry’s priorities remain top of mind for the government.
Additionally, the government has updated the compliance framework for the Prioritizing Canadian Suppliers and Canadian Content in Strategic Federal Procurements under the Buy Canadian policy framework. This update lowers the data-collection threshold for contracts issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) from $25,000 to $5,000.
CCA will continue to monitor these and future initiatives as they arise and report on any developments that affect construction.
For a more detailed reading, full submissions are available on CCA’s website.
Looking ahead: A busy fall advocacy agenda
This summer and fall, CCA’s Public Affairs team will continue building relationships with decision-makers and advancing the industry’s priorities through several key initiatives:
- CCA’s Best Practices in Construction Symposium in Toronto (October 6-7)
- The semi-annual Meech Lake meeting with senior government officials
- Advocacy around the federal budget
- CCA’s annual Hill Day (November 17)
For more on CCA’s advocacy work, please contact Louis-Philippe Champagne, Associate Vice-President, Public Affairs and Industry Practices.