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The British Columbia Construction Association issued this reaction to the 2026 B.C. budget:
Today, Premier Eby’s government presented its first Budget of the new legislative session. While the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) commends the provincial government’s commitment to enhancing BC’s economic resilience in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs, we remain concerned that support for the construction industry, a critical component of the BC economy, continues to be insufficient.
“The provincial government has made clear its commitment to defending our province and growing our economy—now, it’s time to follow through,” says Chris Atchison, president of BCCA. “The construction industry has identified straightforward strategies and solutions that will enhance resilience and drive productivity. We’re ready and willing to work with the provincial government to get these done and build a stronger B.C.”
Eliminating barriers to interprovincial trade, implementing Prompt Payment legislation and streamlining approval and contracting processes will all equip the construction industry with the tools needed to continue building B.C.’s critical and community-enabling infrastructure efficiently, effectively, and with the certainty of payment they deserve. These would also offer immediate economic benefits by creating employment and demand for local materials while contributing to the long-term resilience and sustainability of B.C.’s economy.
“The majority of our members are concerned that economic uncertainty will reduce demand for projects in B.C.,” adds Atchison. “We urge the provincial government to take immediate action by passing policies and investing in initiatives designed to protect, preserve and power one of our province’s strongest industries and economic contributors.”
BCCA is committed to continuing to work with the provincial government to support B.C.’s construction industry. We welcome the opportunity for ongoing dialogue. By working together, we can protect our province and build BC.
The Quebec construction association, APCHQ, had this to say about Quebec’s measures:
In a context where construction costs increased by eight percent in Quebec in 2025, where the administrative burden is slowing down projects and where several municipal water infrastructures have reached saturation, slowing down the construction of 36,000 homes last year, it was an opportunity for the government to send a clear signal to accelerate residential construction and meet the needs of the population.
“While more than three out of four tenants do not believe they will be able to access property in Quebec within five years, the APCHQ considers that efforts to build more and faster have not been sufficient. Quebec must build 100,000 new homes per year to restore affordability by 2035, while only 60,000 were built last year. To catch up with this delay, the association proposes to modernize municipal infrastructure, reduce obstacles to construction and improve access to property, “says the APCHQ.
The APCHQ would nevertheless like to highlight the following announcements:
- 1.3 billion in housing assistance for the most vulnerable people in the residential market;
- 160 million for the rental stock to encourage owners to install heat pumps in rental buildings, as well as 425 million for the Rénoclimat program.