| This Advocacy Alert includes: – Next steps for the VRCA’s Build Lower Mainland Campaign – Impacts of the Municipal and Provincial election – Federal Bil C-39 and – VRCA’s upcoming Division Forums the week of November 9th October brought significant political change to the Lower Mainland and British Columbia. With both elections now behind us, VRCA’s focus is on building relationships and turning campaign commitments into practical improvements for construction. From municipal permitting to provincial infrastructure planning and federal project approvals, our message remains consistent: give industry the certainty, coordination and opportunity to build tomorrow’s communities. |
| Build Lower Mainland: Taking the campaign into council chambers Through candidate meetings, jobsite visits, videos, campaign resources and advertising, Build Lower Mainland brought construction priorities into the municipal election conversation. The campaign focues on three issues that will continue to guide our advocacy: The Cost to Build: Predictable fees, fair procurement and policies that account for project viability. The Time to Build: Faster permits and inspections, measurable service standards and better coordination. The People to Build: Stronger partnerships between municipalities, schools and industry to introduce people to construction careers. Our non-partisan approach created opportunities to speak directly with candidates about the decisions affecting members and the communities they build. Now, those conversations move from the campaign trail into council chambers. |
| Municipal election results: New relationships, clear priorities The October 17, municipal election delivered notable changes in leadership across the Lower Mainland including two of the region’s largest cities. Vancouver elected Pete Fry as mayor, alongside a council comprising four Green, four COPE, one OneCity and one ABC councillor. In Surrey, Doug McCallum was elected mayor, while Burnaby’s published results showed Mike Hurley returning to office. VRCA congratulates newly elected and returning mayors and councillors, and thanks outgoing representatives and everyone who put their name forward. For construction, the next step is early engagement as councils establish their priorities, budgets, and committee structures. Our outreach will focus on practical changes that help projects move forward and give businesses greater confidence. A central ask remains the creation of Construction Advisory Committees, providing a regular forum for elected officials, municipal staff and industry to address challenges before they become costly delays. We will also continue pressing for earlier industry consultation, clearer permitting and inspection timelines, predictable development charges and procurement that delivers long-term value. |
| Provincial election: Construction priorities for a new government The October 24 provincial election resulted in a Conservative majority, with Lorne Doerkson set to become British Columbia’s next premier. VRCA congratulates premier-elect Doerkson and the Conservative Party of British Columbia. We also thank outgoing Premier David Eby, his government and all candidates who stepped forward to serve. As the new government prepares to take office, our focus is on the conditions needed to deliver housing, infrastructure and economic growth across the Lower Mainland: Infrastructure certainty: Transparent project information and a predictable investment pipeline so businesses can plan staffing, equipment and bidding. Prompt payment: Bringing the Construction Prompt Payment Act fully into force, supported by clear timelines and practical industry guidance. Workforce capacity: Strengthening training, recruitment and retention to ensure skilled people are available to deliver projects. Better coordination: Aligning provincial and municipal processes to reduce delays, duplication and uncertainty. We look forward to working with the incoming government and MLAs across party lines to keep construction priorities on the agenda. Federal advocacy: Making Bill C-39 work on the ground The Canadian Construction Association’s October briefing on Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, examines how proposed changes to federal approvals, transportation and labour rules could affect construction. CCA supports faster, more predictable approvals while calling for practical safeguards. Its recommendations include transparent assessment schedules, construction input before approval conditions change, contractor representation in trade corridor planning and predictable security clearance processes. The briefing also seeks advance disclosure of applicable labour obligations when contractors change and safeguards against disrupting construction payment chains during wage recovery. Why it matters: Contractors need clear requirements before pricing work and committing crews, equipment and materials. The connection to Build Lower Mainland is clear: earlier construction input and predictable decisions help turn approvals into completed projects. Read CCA’s Bill C-39 briefing here. |
| Bring your perspective to the November Division Forums Your Industry. Your Voice. What’s Next? Join VRCA’s General Contractors, Trade Contractors, Manufacturers & Suppliers, or Professional Services Division Forums on November 9, 10, 12 and 13. Connect with peers, share your challenges and hear what the election results mean for construction and VRCA’s next steps for advocacy. Find your forum date, view the agenda and register here. |
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