September brought a provincial election call into an already busy municipal campaign. VRCA remains focused on the decisions that affect our members every day: the Cost to Build, Time to Build and People to Build.
This month, VRCA’s non-partisan Build Lower Mainland campaign brought those conversations to jobsites, and connected with municipal candidates.
Build Lower Mainland: From the campaign trail to the jobsite
We visited VRCA member Whelan at YVR’s bridge replacement program, then met with teams at Flynn’s head office and a Smith Bros. & Wilson site in Langley. These visits put the people doing the work at the centre of the campaign and gave us a chance to hear directly about the pressures facing projects.
We also met with Vote Vancouver mayoral candidate Rebecca Bligh and council candidates Steve Jedreicich, Keerit Jutla and Geoff Teoli. The conversation covered permitting and inspections, earlier contractor engagement, procurement and the need for stronger working relationships across governments.
The candidates responded positively to VRCA’s proposal for a Construction Advisory Committee, which would give industry a regular opportunity to help municipalities spot problems and improve how projects move forward.
Hear from Municipal Candidates
Candidate videos are coming in from across the Lower Mainland. Our latest Build Lower Mainland blog encourages voters to hear directly from candidates, research who is running in their municipality and ask what they would do about the cost, time and people it takes to build.
Provincial update: An election call and a pause on PST
The provincial election call adds another campaign at a time when construction businesses are looking for more certainty about infrastructure investment, tariffs and the work ahead.
Before the call, the BC Construction Association (BCCA) issued a statement opposing a snap election. BCCA pointed to the uncertainty already facing the industry, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, and warned that an election would interrupt government work during the fall legislative sitting
There was also a significant development on costs. On September 18, the Province announced it would pause the planned October 1 expansion of PST to professional services, maintaining exemptions for services including architecture, engineering, accounting and bookkeeping. The government cited ongoing trade disruptions and economic uncertainty as reasons for the pause. For construction, this helps avoid another layer of costs on the professional services needed to plan and deliver projects.
VRCA will continue to raise construction’s priorities with provincial parties and candidates. At the same time, the municipal election remains firmly in front of us. Mayors and councillors make decisions on permits, inspections, development fees, procurement and local infrastructure. Those decisions shape whether projects move ahead, how long they take and what they cost.
Federal update: Trade pressures and new opportunities
Parliament is back for its fall session, with trade uncertainty continuing to put pressure on construction costs and supply chains. In its latest outlook, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) points to greater stability in the federal government’s legislative agenda, alongside continued volatility in Canada-U.S. trade.
Key files for members to watch include:
– Tariffs and supply chains: Canada’s counter-tariffs on U.S. goods took effect September 8, adding pressure to purchasing and project planning. CCA has resources to help contractors understand which products are affected.
– Housing and investment: Federal housing legislation and investment initiatives could create new construction opportunities. For contractors, the question is how those commitments translate into projects ready to move forward.
– Supply chain requirements: Proposed legislation on goods made with forced labour could change reporting and tracking obligations for construction companies.
For VRCA members, these developments affect both the cost of delivering work and access to future opportunities. CCA will continue tracking the federal agenda and raising industry priorities, including at its November 17 Hill Day. Read CCA’s full fall outlook.
COCA Advocacy
The Council of Construction Associations (COCA) represents 20 BC construction associations and provides a united industry voice on workplace health and safety issues with WorkSafeBC, Technical Safety BC and government. COCA advocates for practical, balanced regulations that improve worker safety without creating unnecessary or unworkable burdens for employers. COCA advocacy is a value from your VRCA/BCCA membership. They represent us at the WSBC table.
Key Advocacy and Results
COCA is actively engaged on WorkSafeBC proposals related to violence and harassment, psychological and psychosocial injuries, chronic pain and expanded emergency planning requirements. Its advocacy has produced results, including the removal of a proposed requirement for first aid attendants to administer opioid antidotes, progress on inconsistent road-building inspections, and broader industry consultation on crane safety.
COCA’s current priority is the Proposed OHSR Part 4.1 and is preparing its response to proposed psychological health and safety regulations.
Key concerns include:
– Subjective definitions that could capture routine workplace interactions.
– Unclear responsibilities on small crews and multi-employer worksites.
– Requirements that lack a “reasonably practicable” standard.
– Consultation and review requirements poorly suited to changing construction sites.
– Disproportionate compliance costs for small contractors.
COCA continues to engage directly with WorkSafeBC and government and will advocate for evidence-based regulations that reflect the realities of construction workplaces.
How Members Can Help:
– Participate in COCA letter-writing campaigns when consultations reopen.
– Share COCA regulatory updates with members. Learn more here.
– Keeping the conversation moving
Our outreach will continue through the municipal campaign and beyond election day. Once the results are in, VRCA will reach out to elected officials to turn campaign conversations into working relationships.
Our message to candidates at both levels is straightforward: talk to the people who build these communities, understand what is holding projects back and come ready to make change.
Build Lower Mainland is non-partisan. VRCA does not endorse candidates or political parties. Our goal is to ensure those running for office understand construction’s role in the economy and the priorities of the people and businesses building our region.
Explore the campaign at buildlowermainland.ca