The Canadian Construction Association has sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in which it calls on the federal government to provide clear guidance on a number of issues relating to business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specifically, CCA president Mary Van Buren asked for the federal government to provide:

• Specific details on how companies and individuals can access the financial relief announced by the Government of Canada. This is critical as it allows business owners to focus on health and safety without the pressing fear of business failure.

• Consistent guidelines and best practices from public health authorities across the country to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all workers on construction sites and at manufacturing facilities. 

• A clear statement, supported by a commitment to future legislation, which addresses how the Government of Canada will treat delays, project disruptions and other COVID-19 related costs under federal contracts, as well as federal leadership in active dialogue with provincial authorities on a consistent approach to these issues.

• Prioritization of critical infrastructure and collaborative work with industry to prioritize allocation of essential resources, including manufacturing capacity to provide needed materials and equipment.

• Instructions to Export Development Canada (EDC) and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to urgently engage with industry and the financial services sector to deploy additional domestic credit to mitigate the short-term financial impact of COVID-19 related project delays and costs.

The CCA, which represents more than 20,000 member firms across the country, continues to recommend that construction sites and related manufacturing activities remain operational during the pandemic. It adds, however, that will continue to evaluate this position as the pandemic evolves, and in support of directives from health authorities and government.

“This is a challenging time for all Canadians,” said van Buren in the letter to the Prime Minister. “The construction sector stands ready to support the Government of Canada as it manages the COVID-19 crisis. This includes re-directing efforts to higher priority projects like hospitals and/or if directed, an orderly and thoughtful stoppage of some or all work in consultation with the industry.”