CCA launches election-advocacy messages
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has launched an election-advocacy website, and is encouraging members to reach out to candidates with a letter that outlines several key industry concerns.
The association says that the September 20 federal election is an opportunity for Canada to rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic. It adds, however, that this can only happen if the construction industry is empowered to lead this recovery.
Construction, says CCA, accounts for 1.4 million workers, $141 billion in annual economic output, and nearly 7.5 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product. The industry is, and will therefore be, a key sector driving the economy, creating jobs, connecting communities and countries, and increasing confidence in consumer spending and private investment in the post-pandemic era. CCA therefore wants to see any newly elected government deliver on three key priorities.
Under the heading of increasing infrastructure investment, CCA says the economy needs reliable infrastructure to connect supply chains and efficiently move goods and services across borders. Funds must be predictable, flow quickly and be aligned with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous needs. To achieve this, the federal government must create an independent advisory body that can align governments at the provincial and municipal level to address infrastructure deficits across Canada. The stability of having multi-year project pipelines, based on evidence and independent expert advice, would also enable the development of the necessary skilled workforce and encourage private sector investment.
Additionally, the association is calling for government to work with industry to build the workforce of the future. Construction is facing a serious shortage of workers that will impact its ability to deliver on work. Unlike some other sectors that have been hit hard by the COVID pandemic, construction has good-paying jobs available now. CCA says the government can play a role by working with the industry to recruit, train and retain workers. It must also help to position construction as a career of choice for workers, and especially people in traditionally underrepresented groups.
Finally, the association is calling for the government to improve fair and competitive procurement. It calls thefederal government’s procurement strategy “outdated” and argues the process leaves little room for creative solutions and fair risk sharing. Therefore, CCA is calling for the federal government to adapt its procurement strategy to encourage innovation, account for long-term value and sustainability, and explore the use of alternative delivery models.
CCA has drafted a form letter for members to complete and deliver to candidates in their respective ridings. It is also delivering its election messages through its www.construction4cdns.ca website and through the #Construction4Cdns hashtag on social media.