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Rod Gilbert, president of CCA. (Photo courtesy of CCA)
On the eve of American president Donald Trump imposing a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods exported to the U.S., along with a 10 per cent tariff on energy products, and after Canada’s announced an in-kind response of targeted tariffs, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has issued a statement aiming to work with the Canadian government to navigate construction-impacting tariffs.
“Canada’s construction industry is disappointed to see the imposition of tariffs,” said CCA president Rodrigue Gilbert. “We appreciate that the federal government has issued a strong response to President Trump’s senseless tariffs and will hold consultations with industry on further measures.”
The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers and a major contributor to the country’s economic success. More than 90 per cent of the industry is made up of small and medium enterprises, yet employs more than 1.6 million Canadians and contributes 7.5 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product.
The industry organization says the impacts of the trade conflict will be felt throughout the Canadian economy, and are likely to impact not only the ability of construction operators to meet their project requirements, but also the supply chains that the Canadian industries rely on all together. As such, the industry could well face additional challenged when it comes to combatting the housing crisis, building critical infrastructure, and so much more.
“This is a time where we need all Canadians to stand up for Canada. This is not the time to sit on our hands. We all have to work together to increase productivity and support Canadian businesses, so that we can all build a stronger Canada and surmount this trade conflict,” said Gilbert.
As all levels of government consider non-tariff measures to support Canadian businesses and stimulate our economy, the CCA is urging all governments to consult with industry so that any and all measures can be targeted, effective, and reflect the real needs of the industry.
The CCA represents more than 18,000 member firms drawn from 64 local and provincial integrated partner associations across Canada, giving voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, Canada’s institutional, commercial, industrial, civil and multi-residential construction industry.