MONTREAL, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ) would like to congratulate the Parti Québécois on its victory, as well as the new Premier, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. The 20,000-plus construction companies of the ACQ network wish the new government every success and are ready to help build the Quebec of tomorrow.
Construction is central to the Quebec economy, accounting for approximately 7% of GDP and labour. For this industry to continue to drive Quebec's development, a number of challenges need to be addressed, including ageing infrastructure - such as water infrastructure, rising project costs, labour shortages, and tighter administration rules.
The ACQ wishes to cooperate by sharing possible solutions with the new government. The administrative burden for entrepreneurs needs to be lightened, through the introduction of a one-stop-shop and pre-filled forms, for estimated savings of over $150M. The ACQ applauds the Parti Québécois' desire to implement a broad deregulation initiative throughout the sector, including streamlining the Construction Code throughout Quebec.
Addressing the labour shortage in the industry will also require promoting construction trades. Developing work-study programs and updating training programmes, some of which have not been reviewed in over 15 years, will also help attract and train the next generation.
Finally, continued investment in water infrastructure is critical to building the housing needed to address the housing affordability crisis.
The ACQ also encourages the new government to consider appointing a Minister of Construction. This person would be the industry lead for project planning, regulation, and delivery. They could give the necessary impetus to move from intention to action and make our infrastructure a symbol of pride for all Canadians once more.
Construction companies are looking forward to working with the new government and are at its disposal to discuss these issues.
The ACQ's demands are available here.
About the ACQ
The Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ) is the largest voluntary multi-sector association in Quebec's construction industry and is the main advocacy group in this industry. Under Law R-20, the ACQ is the employer-bargaining agent for all employers in the institutional-commercial and industrial (IC/I) sectors. The ACQ represents over 20,000 companies that generate over 64% of total hours worked and reported in the industry. Its remit also includes the residential sector, particularly because hours worked in the construction of new residential buildings over 6 storeys are considered part of the commercial sector, as well as through its subsidiary ACQ Résidentiel. Thanks to a network of ten regional associations in seventeen Quebec cities, it offers members a number of tools and services.
SOURCE ACQ - Association de la construction du Québec
For information: Catherine Bouchard, Spokesperson, Public Affairs, Cell: 438-520-8935, [email protected]
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