CCA, MCAC welcome budget, but ask for more
Two national construction associations have reacted with support for the federal government’s April 19 budget, but say the document could have gone further when it comes to predictable construction funding.
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has said it is pleased with a number of initiatives presented in the budget—including increased support for green and trade-enabling infrastructure investment, workforce capacity building, a commitment to beginning a 25-year infrastructure plan, and investment to advance innovation in construction—but says the plan falls short on how to expedite already-committed funds.
“The budget endorses the valued role of the heavy civil, institutional, commercial and industrial construction sector to building back better,” said CCA president Mary Van Buren. “However, an equal commitment is needed to facilitate the quick and unfettered roll-out of these proposed investments.”
With improved coordination, communication and transparency between federal, provincial and municipal governments, the CCA says infrastructure investments can be delivered more efficiently.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) made a similar statement. The association said it was pleased to see a commitment to funding the skilled trades, as well as continued support for employers, but also said the plan lacked continued and predictable project funding.
“The trade contracting sector employs more than 80 percent of workers in the construction industry across Canada, so any additional support for the skilled trades is welcomed,” said MCA Canada CEO Tania Johnston. “However, cash flow and project funding is critical for our members to have the confidence to hire workers and apprentices. We look forward to engaging with the government on what mechanisms may be available to provide mechanical contractors with that confidence.”
MCA Canada pointed to a number of positive initiatives in the budget, including an investment of $470 million to establish an apprenticeship service for apprentices in the construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades, $1.3 billion in funding for the construction, repair or support of 35,000 affordable housing units, $22.6 million for the National Infrastructure Assessment, and $4.4 billion to help homeowners complete home retrofits through interest-free loans.
In its response to the budget, the CCA also recommended that the federal government adjust its procurement criteria to accelerate the adoption of new processes, materials or technology, by taking on more of the risk of using such approaches.