The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is calling on the federal government to partner with the construction industry to help address several key public-policy issues.

Through its online advocacy platform, the Construction Action Network, the association is calling on its 18,000 members and the public to send letters to their local MPs reminding them of the importance of partnering with the industry to make several changes:

• commit to a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure investment strategy that includes a 25-year plan for housing and trade-enabling infrastructure,
• address the workforce shortage by modernizing the existing immigration policy and points system to better reflect the workforce needs of the Canadian economy, and
• modernize procurement to ensure practices better balance risk-sharing between public contracts and the private sector, reduce red tape, and accelerate approvals for critical projects.

In particular, the association points to the demands placed on the industry by the federal government’s drive to build 3.5 million additional homes above and beyond what is currently projected to be built by 2030.

With the current construction workforce shortage, CCA says the industry does not have the workers required to meet our projected building needs.

“Add to that inflation, rising interest rates and affordability, and Canada’s deteriorating foundational infrastructure and it becomes clear that Canada is in dire need of a holistic and long-term strategy to get on track,” it says.

And while the association is supportive of various federal programs such as the Express Entry program that targets immigrants with high-demand skills, as well as several initiatives under the National Housing Strategy to fast track the building of new homes, CCA calls these measures, “short-term solutions to problems that require consultation, partnership and long-term planning.”

CCA also plans to host its annual Hill Day event on November 7, during which industry representatives will meet with parliamentarians to discuss the industry’s role and needs.