With a history spanning close to 100 years

1
, The Canadian Construction Association continues to advocate for
changes to federal government investment and tax policies
2
. Over the years they have focused on a variety of
different issues relating to the construction industry. Their commitments range include long term infrastructure
plans & funding, training & Gold Seal certification and improving community colleges nationwide.
Michael Atkinson, the President of CCA, says We get a lot of our construction workers from collegessupervisors,
project managers and the tradespeople themselves. Mr. Atkinson goes on to say Our concern is that if were
successful in attracting people to the industry, the colleges wont have capacity to process these students when
referring to the current condition of many colleges across the country as they are becoming outdated and lacking
space or equipment
4
. By 2019, the construction industry predicts a skilled labour shortage of $335,000 workers
3
.
With Canadas aging infrastructure nearing capacity and stretched beyond the limits, the government needs to
increase efforts across the nation to ensure that the infrastructure assets continue to properly serve Canadians
3
.
The CCA has been on the government for years to implement changes and have been pleased with recent plans to
improve the infrastructure for Canadians and their economy. Atkinson says, This is an investment into Canadas
future
4
. Canadas efforts to improve our infrastructure will have an impact on the overall competitiveness of the
Canadian economy, and the CCA is watching to ensure that the government follows through with their actions over
the long term.





1 http://www.businesselitecanada.com/canadian-business-associations/canadian-construction-association/
Retrieved September 26
th
2014.

2 https://ocl-cal.gc.ca/app/secure/orl/lrrs/do/clntSmmry;jsessionid=00016peuJwEJWz2FGRJg_LsHN_s:-
8AO48?clientNumber=322545 Retrieved September 26
th
2014.

3 http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/411/FINA/WebDoc/WD5138047/411_FINA_PBC2011_B
riefs%5CCanadian%20Construction%20Association%20E.pdf Retrieved September 26
th
2014.

4 http://www.cbj.ca/associations/canadian_construction_association.html Retrieved September 26
th
2014.