Today, Premier Eby\u2019s government presented its first Budget of the new legislative session. While the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) commends the provincial government\u2019s commitment to enhancing BC\u2019s economic resilience in response to Donald Trump\u2019s tariffs, we remain concerned that support for the construction industry, a critical component of the BC economy, continues to be insufficient.<\/p>\n \u201cThe provincial government has made clear its commitment to defending our province and growing our economy\u2014now, it\u2019s time to follow through,\u201d says Chris Atchison, president of BCCA. \u201cThe construction industry has identified straightforward strategies and solutions that will enhance resilience and drive productivity. We\u2019re ready and willing to work with the provincial government to get these done and build a stronger B.C.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.\u2019s 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.\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n \u201cThe majority of our members are concerned that economic uncertainty will reduce demand for projects in B.C.,\u201d adds Atchison. \u201cWe 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\u2019s strongest industries and economic contributors.\u201d<\/p>\n BCCA is committed to continuing to work with the provincial government to support B.C.\u2019s construction industry. We welcome the opportunity for ongoing dialogue. By working together, we can protect our province and build BC.<\/p>\n The Quebec construction association, APCHQ, had this to say about Quebec\u2019s measures:<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile 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, \u201csays the APCHQ.<\/p>\n The APCHQ would nevertheless like to highlight the following announcements:<\/p>\n![\"-\"](\"https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/money-pictures-1.jpg\")
The British Columbia Construction Association issued this reaction to the 2026 B.C. budget:<\/em><\/p>\n\n