[ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
It\u2019s likely no surprise Canadian construction industry leaders are elated with Prime Minister Mark Carney\u2019s unveiling of the <\/span>first five major projects<\/span><\/a> on the government\u2019s fast-track list, but there are some words of caution as to what needs to be prioritized within those projects.<\/span><\/p>\n In Alberta on Thursday Carney announced Phase II of LNG Canada in Kitimat, B.C., the Red Chris Mine expansion in northwest B.C., the McIlvenna Bay copper mine project in central Saskatchewan, the Darlington New Nuclear project in Clarington, Ont. and the Contrec\u0153ur Terminal container project in Contrec\u0153ur, Que. would be the first in part of his plan to attract outside investment and bolster the Canadian economy as it faces headwinds from U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s tariffs and trade agenda.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (<\/span><\/a>MCAC) was encouraged by the list and highlighted the projects will require at least 24,500 skilled trades workers for construction, and an additional 6,000 workers for ongoing operations.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With the labour shortage ever-present already in the sector, the association noted <\/span>scaling <\/span>up the \u201cgrowth-critical\u201d skilled trades workforce will be critical to ensuring the projects move forward at the necessary pace.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cCanada\u2019s contractors and skilled trades workers are ready to step up and support the government\u2019s nation-building goals,\u201d said Tania Johnston, MCAC Chief Executive Officer, in a statement. \u201cCollaboration between government and industry will be vital to ensure the necessary workforce capacity is available, at the right time and place, to deliver these projects and secure Canada\u2019s long-term prosperity.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The MCAC has long advocated for an industry-informed labour market strategy to identify and address shortages across the mechanical trades and broader construction workforce. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGrowth critical trades must be prioritized for recruitment, training and retention supports,\u201d it notes. \u201cWithout this focus, Canada risks delays in delivering the very projects meant to drive economic growth and strengthen national capacity.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The<\/span> Association of Consulting Engineering Companies\u202f\u2013 Canada<\/span><\/a> (ACEC) stated it was \u201cencouraged by this (Carney\u2019s) bold vision. These proposed initiatives represent critical<\/span>\u202f<\/span>nodes<\/span>\u202f<\/span>for economic growth, resilience and opportunity across the country. Canada\u2019s consulting engineering firms look forward to bringing these projects to life.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, the ACEC did state in order for the \u201cnodes\u201d to reach their full potential a network of infrastructure corridors must be invested in. <\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThese<\/span>\u202f<\/span>linear connections<\/span>\u202f<\/span>will ensure the long-term success of these projects while also laying the groundwork for future nation-building initiatives,\u201d the association states. \u201cThis approach will help Canada remain competitive and position itself as a global leader in infrastructure and innovation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Canadian Construction Association<\/span><\/a> (CCA) also applauded the Major Projects Office\u2019s announcement calling it a \u201cmajor success for CCA who has long advocated for the\u202f<\/span>Canadian Trade Infrastructure Plan<\/span><\/a>.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe have been advocating for the reduction of red-tape and greater investment in national, shovel-worthy infrastructure projects for many years, including through our leadership of the Canadian Trade Infrastructure Plan,\u201d said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of CCA. \u201cToday\u2019s announcement further cements the importance of our industry and the role we play in supporting and enhancing the everyday lives of millions of Canadians, enabling our national economy, and bolstering our supply chains.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)<\/span><\/a> president and CEO Paul de Jong said the association fully supports streamlining approvals for projects, \u201cbut first, investors must be convinced that projects will be approved through a process that\u2019s not only faster, but clearer and more objective. That\u2019s critical to getting these projects over the finish line.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n PCA believes a \u201ctruly competitive construction market is key to attracting investment in Canada\u2019s large-scale public projects,\u201d which means a competitive bidding process and commitment so \u201call qualified construction workers\u201d have the chance to build these projects. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Canada\u2019s Building Trades Unions<\/span><\/a> executive director Sean Strickland said the government\u2019s announcement shows they are going to \u201ccarry out their promise that Bill C-5 will create good-paying, unionized jobs.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s announcement marks a tremendous moment for unionized skilled tradespeople right across the country,\u201d he said. \u201cBy embedding strong labour provisions in these federal projects, we are not only creating jobs but also protecting workers\u2019 rights, ensuring safe working conditions, and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. This is a win for workers, communities and the future of Canada\u2019s unionized construction industry.\u201d\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n