Today, the Federal Government released their annual budget, detailing how funds will be allocated, and what industries and sectors will be focused on.
The ACA is pleased to see a focus on infrastructure spending and workforce needs at the forefront of the federal budget.
The budget was clear in its recognition of Alberta’s vital role for overall economic health of the country, through the naming of several Alberta-based projects such as:
- Pathways Plus: A transformative carbon capture and storage network pipeline project that will significantly reduce emissions while still supporting Alberta’s ever-important conventional energy sector. This ensures Alberta’s position as a global leader in low-carbon energy, enabling sustainable growth, and continued energy exports.
- Port of Churchill Plus: This is part of a partnership with Indigenous Peoples, which will upgrade the Port of Churchill, expand trade corridors through new roads, rail, and energy infrastructure, and enhance marine capacity. It will also create new opportunities for northern communities, while also strengthening Alberta’s access to global markets through Hudson Bay.
The Numbers
- $115 billion in new infrastructure investment
- $1 billion for local housing and transportation
The funding in the 2025 Budget has the potential to strengthen communities, support homebuilding, and drive long-term prosperity for not only Alberta, but for all of Canada.
The ACA echoes the call to make training and credential recognition as accessible to all workers, union and non-union alike, to ensure equitable participation across the industry. Labour shortages in the skilled trades and construction have been a persistent concern over the years, and remain as the sectors most pressing challenge. To combat this, steps must be taken to strengthen talent pathways at all levels, and make the path to entry into skilled trades more efficient.
As the government seeks to strengthen domestic supply chains, continued dialogue and collaboration amongst the ACA, other construction associations and their members, industry experts, and elected officials and decision-makers is essential to ensure procurement and sourcing policies support, not constrain our ability to build for years to come.
When government and industry work together, we can deliver the skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, and resilient communities Alberta and Canada need to grow.