It has been a busy month for the Alberta Construction Association (ACA) as Executive Director Warren Singh represented construction employers at key provincial and national tables. Across every event, ACA reinforced the importance of a stable project pipeline, strong pathways into construction and enhanced procurement processes to support Alberta’s growing economy.
Day at the Legislature – May 6, 2026
ACA’s Day at the Legislature held meetings with Minister of Infrastructure Martin Long, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow, and Education and Childcare Chief of Staff to the Minister, James Johnson.
The meetings highlighted the need for predictable long-term capital funding and streamlined regulatory processes. The conversation also covered improvements to procurement and contract practices that enable regional participation, fair risk allocation, and innovation.
Importantly, the conversations spoke to the need for a structural review on how Alberta develops its future workforce that includes awareness and experiential opportunities in K-12 schools to post-certification. This much needed review can enable a more efficient and effective system that leads to better outcomes for the industry, as well as individuals.
NAIT Advanced Skills Funding Announcement – May 11, 2026
ACA joined government and post-secondary partners at NAIT for the Advanced Skills funding announcement where NAIT received a $384 million investment from the Government of Alberta to build the Advanced Skills centre. The centre is expected to support more than 15,000 learners each year and help address Alberta’s skilled labour shortage by providing industry-aligned, job-ready training across construction, transportation, manufacturing and energy.
2026 CCA Partner Association Symposium – May 20-21, Halifax, Nova Scotia
ACA took part in the national CCA Partner Association Symposium, for two days of idea-sharing, collaboration, and strategic discussion. ACA contributed Alberta’s perspective on workforce challenges, interprovincial mobility and the need for coordinated advocacy across Canada’s construction sector.
Western Premiers’ Conference (WPC) Reception – May 25, 2026
ACA joined industry partners at the Western Premiers’ Conference Reception, where discussions focused on workforce planning, apprenticeship training and ensuring Albertans are first in line for skilled trades opportunities created by major projects. ACA was able to connect with the Minister of Jobs, Economy, Immigration, and Trade Joseph Schow, the Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall, Minister of Infrastructure Martin Long and the Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton, emphasizing the need for predictable project pipelines and continued collaboration between government and industry.
CIC Partner Symposium – May 27-28, 2026
At the Construction Industry Coalition (CIC) Partner Symposium, ACA joined industry associations to align on shared priorities, including workforce development, procurement improvements, and the importance of predictable capital planning. Our programs help to spur more pathways into construction as well as support individuals in better understanding new technological advancement that is rapidly changing our industry.
Industry Liaison Committee – June 2, 2026
ACA attended the Industry Liaison Committee meeting, where employers, labour partners, and government representatives discussed emerging issues affecting Alberta’s construction workforce and opportunities to strengthen collaboration. The meeting focused on a number of key initiatives including contract modernization, prompt payment legislation, and updating procurement procedures that need to match the speed of the industry.
National Government Relations Officers (GRO) Network Conference – June 3-4, 2026
ACA participated in the National GRO Network Conference, contributing Alberta’s perspective on the Future of Post-Secondary Education Infrastructure. We highlighted that the increasing demand for renewal and rebuilding is creating workforce and supply chain challenges that need to be addressed. We also drove home the need for a consistent approach to procurement and how long-term planning with the industry will lead to the best outcomes for PSI’s.