Atlantic Canada’s construction industry has historically feltleft outin federal budgets,butPrime MinisterMarkCarney’sfiscal document is encouraging forthe region’s four provinces,though it leaves questions unanswered.
Duncan Williams, president and CEO of the ion Associationof Nova Scotia (CANS),is pleased withthe infrastructure plan as it willhelpboosthome construction.
“It’s going to be a matter of how quicklytheycan get it to the street.”
WhileCANS supportstheuniontradestraininginfusion, hequestions whymonies forthe open shop arenaarelacking inthe budget document.
Williamssays the fedsfailedtoprioritize accelerated investment in oil and gasexploration, andpoints out federal oil revenues were notallocatedto support net-zero initiatives.
“It’s a gap in the budget.”
He says theMajor Projects Officeis a positivedevelopment, ifitworks as intended (to accelerate national interest projectsthrough streamlined federal regulatory approvals)andfinancing is co-ordinated betweenprivate and public interests.
But the CANS president isconcerned taxes“on unfair and unreasonable permitting processes”are not being eliminated.
Removing“de-transfer taxes” would help preserve the value of tax credits supporting affordability.
“The province would take a hit,but itis short-term pain for long-term gain.”
Federal government job cuts plannedarewelcomed because millions of dollars are spent “in our space on research overlaps,”Williams says.
Increaseddefence spending is also good news“for the industry and economy”in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,home tomanymilitary installations.
But there isan alignment gap between post-secondary education/training and what the market needs, he says, addingthe announcement to restore numbers for theProvincial Nominee Program (PNP)is good news.
The PNP istheimmigration pathway to nominating peoplefor permanent residency based on local economic and labour market needs.
Immigration is not a silver bullet but has to be part of the labour needs solution,Williams says.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Building and ion Trades Council (Trades NL)hopes the Major Projects Officelives up to itsobjectiveofaccelerating developmentssuch as the Bay du Nord offshore oil project.
The $14to$16 billion project could create 18,000 construction jobs, says Bob Fiander, executive director, Trades NL.
Essential, however,is the transferability of skills, “so when we construct our natural resourcesacrossthe country, we become the most qualified people.”
Trades NLis encouraged bythe Building Communities Strong Fund’s first phase in 2026-27, whichearmarks $17 billion for infrastructure such as roads to support housing development. It also removesthe GST for first-time home buyers.
“Itshould spur some developments,”Fiander says.
The New Brunswick ion Association supports the infrastructure plan in principle, butproject specifics are lacking, saysJohn-Ryan Morrison,executivedirector.
“Hopefully in the next round of announcements there are major announcements.”
He says twomajor portsin New Brunswickneed capital infusion andthe province’s“archaic” rail system is inadequate for supply chain transportation.Sinking capitalinto wraparound infrastructure (roads and sewer and water)willensure vital housing gets built.
“We are looking for fair funding, stronger supply chain support and a workforce training plan that includes everyone, both open and closed shops,”he adds.
“Amore co-ordinated national approach is needed toconnect immigration, apprenticeship,upscaling and youth engagement”for training,Morrisonexplains.
The provincial and federal budgets, unveiled simultaneously in Prince Edward Island, offer solid support for the construction sector, says Sam Sanderson, executive director of the ion Association of Prince Edward Island.
“It could create a busy province.”
Sandersonsaysinadditiontofederalinfrastructure monies, anuptick in foreign credential recognition training and evaluation, along with upskilling and reskillingannounced“adds a tremendous amount of positivity.”
AnotherencouragingsignisP.E.I.’sbudgettabled$296 millionover five yearsfor roads, bridgesand highways and the overall budget is $1.65 billion.
“It’sa prettybig number.Looking at healthcare, schools and other spendingthisisn’tsomethingwe’veseen in years.”
Sanderson, a board member of the Canadian ion Association, adds thefederalbudgetpresentsencouraging developments across Canada.
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