Canadian Construction Association welcomes Budget 2026 investments to build a stronger Canada

Budget 2026 advances important housing, infrastructure and major project priorities while opportunities remain to strengthen construction workforce capacity and address cost pressures facing the industry.

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) welcomes the federal government's continued commitment to building Canada's housing, infrastructure and industrial capacity through Budget 2026. The budget takes a fiscally prudent approach while making important investments in housing supply, community infrastructure, Indigenous infrastructure and major projects that will create opportunities for Canada's construction industry.

CCA is particularly encouraged by the additional $13 billion for Build Canada Homes, the continued implementation 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 advancement of major projects and measures to improve government efficiency and streamline processes are also positive steps toward strengthening Canada's capacity to build.

"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."

Canada's ability to deliver on its housing, infrastructure, and major project ambitions will depend on having enough workers to build them. CCA welcomes Budget 2026's proposed transition of 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, providing greater flexibility to respond to labour market pressures.

While CCA recognizes the government's ongoing commitment to construction workforce development through initiatives such as Team Canada Strong, it notes there were minimal new measures to address the significant and persistent workforce shortage in today's budget.

CCA welcomed last month's $430 million announcement over five years for apprenticeship training, however it continues to emphasize that addressing the construction labour gap requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes the full breadth of the industry, including both unionized and open-shop employers, and the range of training pathways that contribute to a complete workforce.

CCA will continue to advocate for equitable access to federal workforce development investments and programs that reflect the realities of Canada's diverse construction industry, including recognition of the range of experience, qualifications, and training pathways beyond the Red Seal program.

CCA also looks forward to working with the government toward solutions to address cost pressures facing Canada's construction industry, including those associated with tariffs and ongoing trade disruptions.

"Construction costs have a direct impact on Canada's ability to build," said Gilbert. "Supporting the competitiveness of Canadian contractors and the broader construction supply chain is essential to delivering projects efficiently and affordably."

As the government moves from commitments to implementation, CCA also emphasizes the importance of predictable and transparent procurement processes, fair competition, appropriate risk allocation and timely project approvals. Modernizing federal tendering practices and making greater use of collaborative delivery models and industry-standard contract documents can help ensure public investments translate into projects that are delivered efficiently and provide value for taxpayers.

On November 17, 2026, CCA will bring more than 80 delegates from across Canada's construction sector to Ottawa for its annual Hill Day. Delegates will meet with parliamentarians to discuss the industry's priorities and opportunities to work together to address workforce challenges, improve project delivery and strengthen Canada's construction capacity.

"Budget 2026 provides an important foundation for building Canada's future," said Gilbert. "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."

About the Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is the national voice for Canada's institutional, commercial, industrial, civil and multi-residential construction sectors. Through its network of 57 local and provincial integrated partner associations, CCA represents 18,000 member firms, including contractors, suppliers and allied professionals. Canada's construction industry employs approximately 1.6 million Canadians and contributes 7.3 per cent to the country's GDP.

SOURCE Canadian Construction Association

Media contact: Anthony Valenti, Chief of Staff to the President, Canadian Construction Association, 613-236-9455 | [email protected]