Construction leaders from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico share their perspectives on issues from tariffs and workforce challenges to a potential path forward through collaboration.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"-\"](\"https:\/\/www.on-sitemag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/NA-leaders.png\")
<\/p>\n(left to right) Rodrigue Gilbert, Jeffrey Shoaf and Mario Salazar. Image courtesy of Sean Tarry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
At the Canadian Construction Association\u2019s<\/a> (CCA) Annual Conference in March, leaders from across North America delivered the message that while current demand for construction is strong, the ability of general contractors to deliver projects profitably and predictably is being challenged.<\/p>\nModerated by CCA President, Rodrigue Gilbert, a CEO panel brought together Jeffrey Shoaf, CEO of Associated General Contractors of America<\/a> and Mario Salazar, VP of Institutional Relations, CMIC Mexico<\/a>, to explore the ways in which tariffs and economic uncertainty are reshaping the North American construction landscape.<\/p>\nUneven and fragile growth<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe conversation shared between the leaders seemed to be a familiar one for general contractors and their teams in attendance, weaving together issues concerning tighter timelines, rising risk and increasing complexity into a narrative about the \u201cnew normal\u201d.<\/p>\n
From a U.S. perspective, Shoaf described a market that appears strong at first blush, but when analyzed further proves to be increasingly uneven beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
\u201cActivity remains positive in the U.S.,\u201d he said. \u201cBut growth is increasingly uneven across market segments. What that really means is that there are a few hot sectors, like data centres and power, that are propping up the rest of the market.\u201d<\/p>\n
And while total U.S. construction spending remains substantial, Shoaf noted that 2025 spending dipped below 2024 levels, representing a potential early warning sign of industry stagnation. Combined with persistent workforce pressures, productivity levels on jobsites south of the border may soon be threatened.<\/p>\n
A similar picture was painted by Salazar of the current tenor in Mexico, where construction represents roughly 7 per cent of GDP and employs millions, yet faces a number of structural constraints of its own.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s huge infrastructure demand in Mexico,\u201d he said. \u201cBut without long-term planning, financing certainty and strong rule of law, it\u2019s difficult fore the industry to collectively execute at the scale that\u2019s required.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tariffs and policy uncertainty<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnother shared theme that emerged during the conversation was that of uncertainty.<\/p>\n
Borne of geopolitical instability and U.S. tariff\u2019s imposed by the Trump administration, these disruptions have resulted in significant price volatility and subsequent ramifications for supply chains.<\/p>\n
From a Canadian perspective, Gilbert highlighted the retaliatory measures imposed in Canada like \u201cbuy Canadian\u201d policies. He understands the move by government but suggests that in practice these policies pose unintended consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cCanada, the U.S. and Mexico are so tightly integrated, it\u2019s almost impossible to isolate supply chains without consequences,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Collaborating for the long-term<\/strong><\/h4>\nIt was also agreed by all three leaders that the only viable and successful way forward for the construction industries in each country is through close collaboration. Salazar pointed to cross-border infrastructure planning, shared standards for procurement and project delivery and pre-consultation on trade policies affecting construction inputs as ways to strengthen partnerships and shared progress.<\/p>\n
Shoaf agreed, adding that the byproduct of close collaboration is greater price predictability and supply chain certainty.<\/p>\n
Gilbert concurred, too, adding that for general contractors across Canada, a little bit of stability would be nice.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor our members, the worst thing is uncertainty. We would rather have a clear policy, even if it\u2019s not ideal, than constant change.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n(left to right) Rodrigue Gilbert, Jeffrey Shoaf and Mario Salazar. Image courtesy of Sean Tarry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
At the Canadian Construction Association\u2019s<\/a> (CCA) Annual Conference in March, leaders from across North America delivered the message that while current demand for construction is strong, the ability of general contractors to deliver projects profitably and predictably is being challenged.<\/p>\n Moderated by CCA President, Rodrigue Gilbert, a CEO panel brought together Jeffrey Shoaf, CEO of Associated General Contractors of America<\/a> and Mario Salazar, VP of Institutional Relations, CMIC Mexico<\/a>, to explore the ways in which tariffs and economic uncertainty are reshaping the North American construction landscape.<\/p>\n The conversation shared between the leaders seemed to be a familiar one for general contractors and their teams in attendance, weaving together issues concerning tighter timelines, rising risk and increasing complexity into a narrative about the \u201cnew normal\u201d.<\/p>\n From a U.S. perspective, Shoaf described a market that appears strong at first blush, but when analyzed further proves to be increasingly uneven beneath the surface.<\/p>\n \u201cActivity remains positive in the U.S.,\u201d he said. \u201cBut growth is increasingly uneven across market segments. What that really means is that there are a few hot sectors, like data centres and power, that are propping up the rest of the market.\u201d<\/p>\n And while total U.S. construction spending remains substantial, Shoaf noted that 2025 spending dipped below 2024 levels, representing a potential early warning sign of industry stagnation. Combined with persistent workforce pressures, productivity levels on jobsites south of the border may soon be threatened.<\/p>\n A similar picture was painted by Salazar of the current tenor in Mexico, where construction represents roughly 7 per cent of GDP and employs millions, yet faces a number of structural constraints of its own.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s huge infrastructure demand in Mexico,\u201d he said. \u201cBut without long-term planning, financing certainty and strong rule of law, it\u2019s difficult fore the industry to collectively execute at the scale that\u2019s required.\u201d<\/p>\n Another shared theme that emerged during the conversation was that of uncertainty.<\/p>\n Borne of geopolitical instability and U.S. tariff\u2019s imposed by the Trump administration, these disruptions have resulted in significant price volatility and subsequent ramifications for supply chains.<\/p>\n From a Canadian perspective, Gilbert highlighted the retaliatory measures imposed in Canada like \u201cbuy Canadian\u201d policies. He understands the move by government but suggests that in practice these policies pose unintended consequences.<\/p>\n \u201cCanada, the U.S. and Mexico are so tightly integrated, it\u2019s almost impossible to isolate supply chains without consequences,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n It was also agreed by all three leaders that the only viable and successful way forward for the construction industries in each country is through close collaboration. Salazar pointed to cross-border infrastructure planning, shared standards for procurement and project delivery and pre-consultation on trade policies affecting construction inputs as ways to strengthen partnerships and shared progress.<\/p>\n Shoaf agreed, adding that the byproduct of close collaboration is greater price predictability and supply chain certainty.<\/p>\n Gilbert concurred, too, adding that for general contractors across Canada, a little bit of stability would be nice.<\/p>\n \u201cFor our members, the worst thing is uncertainty. We would rather have a clear policy, even if it\u2019s not ideal, than constant change.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\nUneven and fragile growth<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Tariffs and policy uncertainty<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Collaborating for the long-term<\/strong><\/h4>\n