Vancouver Island Represents at Canada’s Largest-Ever Hill Day
Last week, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) led what is believed to be the largest Hill Day by a single organization in Canadian history, and Vancouver Island was proudly at the table. Alongside industry leaders from across the country, our delegation met with one Senator and four Members of Parliament, representing all major parties and all based here in British Columbia.
Our message was consistent and united: construction is essential to Canada’s future, and our sector is ready to work alongside government to support economic resilience and long-term prosperity
Construction Powers Canada
Construction isn’t just a sector, it’s the foundation of Canada’s economy and the catalyst behind every other industry’s success. Our sector employs 1.6 million Canadians, contributes $165 billion annually, and represents 7.3% of Canada’s GDP.
But the impact goes well beyond the numbers. Construction builds the homes people live in, the hospitals and care facilities families rely on, the schools that shape future generations, and the infrastructure that moves goods, services, and communities forward.
For Vancouver Island, where housing affordability, infrastructure needs, and workforce pressures remain top of mind, Hill Day was an opportunity to bring our region’s realities directly into the national conversation.
Key Priorities We Advanced on the Hill
During our meetings, we focused on four critical areas that will shape the future of Canada’s construction industry:
1. Recommit to Canada’s Construction Workforce
Canada is facing a significant labour shortage. Apprenticeship and training pipelines aren’t keeping pace with demand, and current immigration pathways don’t fully align with sector needs.
We emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, targeted investment in training, and streamlined immigration policies to support workforce growth.
2. Reinvest in Infrastructure
Stop-and-start infrastructure funding has already cost the Canadian economy an estimated one-third of potential GDP growth. We advocated for stable, predictable, long-term investment, especially crucial for high-growth regions like Vancouver Island that depend on reliable transportation, housing, and trade infrastructure.
3. Rethink Procurement
Outdated procurement models increase costs, delay projects, and shift disproportionate risk onto contractors. We called for modernized approaches that value transparency, innovation, sustainability, and fair competition, rather than defaulting to the lowest bid.
4. Reimagine the Supply Chain
Supply chain disruptions, from global trade challenges to lengthy approval timelines, jeopardize the delivery of critical projects. Strengthening trade corridors, improving permitting processes, and collaborating across jurisdictions are essential steps to keep projects moving.
A Strong, United Voice
What stood out most in Ottawa was the unity across our sector. Regardless of region or political affiliation, the consensus was clear: Construction does not just support the economy, it powers it.
With the right policies, partnerships, and long-term vision, our industry will continue to build a more resilient, innovative, and prosperous Canada.
What This Means for Vancouver Island
For our contractors, tradespeople, suppliers, and communities, Hill Day was more than a symbolic gathering, it was strategic advocacy in action. We ensured that:
- Vancouver Island’s housing and infrastructure needs were clearly communicated
- Local workforce challenges were acknowledged
- Our industry’s contribution to the region’s economic stability was recognized
- And most importantly, we reinforced that VICA and our members are ready to be part of the solution
Looking Ahead
Our work doesn’t end at Hill Day. Advocacy is ongoing, and VICA will continue to champion:
- Workforce development and apprenticeship pathways
- Fair, modern procurement practices
- Stable and predictable infrastructure investment
- Policies that support strong, vibrant local businesses and communities
Hill Day underscored a powerful truth: we build Canada — homes, communities, and opportunity. But to keep building, our sector needs strong, committed partners in government.
VICA will continue to ensure that Vancouver Island’s voice is heard, and that our members are represented where it matters most.