A seven-point declaration from the sector’s leaders calls on the federal government to invest in construction, accelerate funding, and prioritize zero-carbon construction.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the funding is just a start as big city mayors say more must be done to cover significant financial losses.

Ontario and Quebec recorded massive drops in permit activity as a result of construction-site shut downs across both provinces.

CMHC’s study of monthly housing starts shows a slight increase in activity in April, including a jump in starts in Ontario of 42 percent.

The second in a series of surveys conducted by the Ontario Construction Secretariat reveals contractors’ concerns about returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their worries about costs, schedules and worker safety.