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With the federal election wrapped up, politicians and business organizations were quick to weigh in with congratulatory messages containing wish lists, suggestions and warnings for the incoming government.
As he accepted what looks to be a win that will bring in another minority government, Prime Minister Mark Carney punctuated his victory speech with, “It is time to build.” And the construction industry appears ready to hold him to that statement.
“For Mark Carney and his administration, now is the time for action,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) as his organization congratulated Carney on his victory. “A strong, sustainable, and resilient Canada needs a strong, sustainable, and resilient construction industry. To support Canadians, the next federal government must support construction.”
During the federal election, CCA launched Construction for Canadians, a campaign supported by Canada’s national, provincial and regional construction associations to emphasize the importance of construction to building the strong Canada that Canadians deserve.
“Beyond the economic impact, the construction industry builds the critical infrastructure Canadians rely on every day,” emphasized Gilbert. “This campaign has never been just about our industry — it’s about Canada and Canadians… We cannot grow our economy or develop the infrastructure we need to compete globally and respond to political and economic challenges without construction.”
The CCA shared a list of campaign promises made by Carney and the Liberal party during the election, including a pledge to invest $5 billion for a new Trade Diversification Corridors Fund to support the development of trade infrastructure, including, but not limited to, ports, railways, airports and highways.
“CCA will continue its work in close collaboration with the new government to ensure that Prime Minister Carney and his new administration keep their promises to the construction industry,” said Gilbert.
Doug Ford asking Carney to fulfill election promises
Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed the CCA’s desire to see election promises turned into real projects that will benefit Canadians, and Canada’s construction sector.
“I am calling on Prime Minister Carney to fulfill his commitment to speed up approvals for critical mineral and other resource development projects, particularly in the Ring of Fire. I am also calling on him to join us in supporting Ontario as we build the future of nuclear, including the first small modular reactors in the G7, as well as the historic infrastructure investments we are making through our plan to build Ontario,” stated Ford. “We are ready to work with the new federal government to get these necessary projects, including highways, transit and energy infrastructure, funded, approved and built as quickly as possible.”
Alongside congratulatory comments, the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) kept its focus on building forward, and the prime minister’s commitment to, “Build, baby build.”
“The U.S. tariffs are an attack on our country and require decisive leadership to build a more resilient economy right here at home,” said Nadia Todorova, executive director of RCCAO. “It is essential for Prime Minister Carney to act swiftly to remove longstanding obstacles holding our economy back and invest in critical infrastructure projects to expand the nation’s economic capacity.”
Beyond infrastructure, RCCAO is calling for a reduction of the federal tax burden on new home construction, citing a 2023 RCCAO study that revealed one-third of the cost of housing is taxation, with the federal tax burden making up the largest share.
The Progressive Contractors of Canada (PCA) also expressed an interest in working with the new government, but added their concerns about Bill C-69, which it says has led to the delay or cancellation of more than 25 major resource and infrastructure projects since its passing.
“We look forward to working with the Carney government to achieve his goal of making Canada an energy superpower,” said Paul de Jong, president and CEO of PCA. “However, we know that will require a different approach, starting with a clear, objective approvals process for getting projects of national interest built without any more lengthy delays.”
Alberta premier asking for respect
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was even more pointed in her congratulatory statement to Prime Minister Carney.
“As premier, I invite the prime minister to immediately commence working with our government to reset the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta with meaningful action rather than hollow rhetoric,” she stated. “A large majority of Albertans are deeply frustrated that the same government that overtly attacked our provincial economy almost unabated for the past 10 years has been returned to government.”
She pledged to lead discussions with Albertans about the prospect of “securing a prosperous future for our province within a united Canada” but added that provincial rights as protected by the Charter must be respected. “Albertans are proud Canadians that want this nation to be strong, prosperous, and united, but we will no longer tolerate having our industries threatened and our resources landlocked by Ottawa,” she said.