The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) says the 2026 federal budget makes important investments in housing, community infrastructure and major projects, but offers few new measures to address the industry’s workforce shortage.
In a statement released Nov. 5, the association said it was particularly encouraged by the additional $13 billion for Build Canada Homes, the continued rollout of the Build Communities Strong Fund to help reduce development charges and barriers to new construction, and investments in First Nations on-reserve infrastructure. The CCA also pointed to the advancement of major projects and efforts to streamline government processes as positive steps.
“Canada needs to build, and this budget recognizes the important role construction plays in delivering on that ambition,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, President of CCA. “We appreciate the government’s action on housing supply, strengthening communities, and advancing projects of national importance. The next priority must be ensuring the conditions are in place to turn these commitments into completed projects.”
Workforce remains a concern
The association welcomed the budget’s proposal to transition up to 200,000 temporary residents already in Canada to permanent residency by the end of 2027, including 100,000 workers eligible for Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program.
But while CCA acknowledged the government’s ongoing workforce commitments through initiatives such as Team Canada Strong, it said the budget contained minimal new measures to address what it calls a significant and persistent labour shortage.
CCA noted it welcomed last month’s announcement of $430 million over five years for apprenticeship training. It continues to call for a broader approach that recognizes both unionized and open-shop employers, and the full range of training pathways, experience and qualifications beyond the Red Seal program.
Costs and procurement
The association also wants to work with the government on cost pressures facing the industry, including those tied to tariffs and ongoing trade disruptions.
“Construction costs have a direct impact on Canada’s ability to build,” Gilbert said. “Supporting the competitiveness of Canadian contractors and the broader construction supply chain is essential to delivering projects efficiently and affordably.”
As commitments move to implementation, CCA is calling for predictable and transparent procurement, fair competition, appropriate risk allocation and timely project approvals. It says modernized federal tendering, greater use of collaborative delivery models and industry-standard contract documents would help public investments deliver value for taxpayers.
More than 80 delegates from across the construction sector will bring those priorities to Parliament Hill on Nov. 17 for CCA’s annual Hill Day.
“Budget 2026 provides an important foundation for building Canada’s future,” Gilbert said.
“Our industry is ready to help deliver. We look forward to working with the government to address the remaining challenges and ensure that the projects our country needs get built.”