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Construction industry calls on Ottawa to ease labour shortage at annual lobby day

OTTAWA, Ont. — Nearly 100 construction industry leaders from across the country took to Parliament Hill Tuesday for the annual Canadian Construction Association’s Hill Day.

Lobbyists and representatives from the field called on the government to make changes to help ease workforce shortage by overhauling immigration, modernize the procurement process, and partner with the industry to ensure the future health of Canada’s infrastructure.

Brendan Nobes, chair of Canadian Construction Association, said the annual day is important to ensure politicians are focused on solutions to the industry’s toughest challenges.

“The Canadian Construction Association is urging the federal government to collaborate with the construction industry and implement policy changes that can unleash the full potential of an industry that is an economic powerhouse,” he said.

The construction industry contributed $151 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2022 and generated $92.7 billion in employment income to about 1.6 million people across the country.

Mary Van Buren, president of the Canadian Construction Association, says the construction industry is crucial to help easing Canada’s economic woes.

“Faced with concerns over inflation, the housing crisis and high cost of living, Canadians are looking to their government for solutions. Construction is the ideal partner to help drive economic growth for Canada — all while delivering housing and infrastructure that Canada urgently needs.”