FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Calgary Construction Association Welcomes Provincial Investments in Workforce Development and Infrastructure in Budget 2025

February 27, 2025

Calgary, AB – The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) welcomes the Government of Alberta’s significant investments in workforce development, economic immigration, and critical infrastructure. These commitments, outlined in the 2025-26 budget, will strengthen Alberta’s construction industry and ensure it remains competitive amid increasing demand for skilled labour and infrastructure expansion.

“Alberta’s construction sector plays a critical role in the province’s economic growth, and these investments will help address pressing workforce shortages while supporting much-needed infrastructure projects,” says Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “We commend the government’s proactive approach to skills training, apprenticeship support, and immigration pathways that will help build a strong, resilient construction workforce.”

Investing in Alberta’s Skilled Workforce

The CCA supports the Government of Alberta’s commitment to expanding Alberta’s talent pipeline through a $135.5 million investment in apprenticeship programming, including $78 million to increase available seats. This funding will provide more Albertans with access to skilled trades training and career opportunities.

Additionally, the province is allocating $1 million in planning funds for the Trades and Apprenticeship Promotional Plan, which aims to encourage young people to pursue careers in skilled trades through hands-on learning. The CCA has long advocated for greater awareness and promotion of construction careers, and this initiative aligns with the industry’s need to attract the next generation of skilled workers.

Further, a $70 million investment in Skills and Training Support programs will help Albertans transition into in-demand fields, including construction, through specialized training and re-training initiatives.

Breaking Down Credentialing Barriers and Expanding Immigration Pathways

The CCA strongly supports the removal of barriers to speed up the credential recognition process for workers from other provinces and countries with equivalent standards. By implementing recommendations from the Foreign Credential Advisory Committee, the Government of Alberta aims to streamline certification processes and bring skilled professionals into Alberta’s workforce more efficiently.

Additionally, as highlighted in Budget 2025, the government is advocating for expanded allocations under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) to enable the province to address specific labour shortages in sectors like construction where domestic recruitment is insufficient.

“Expanding skilled immigration pathways and streamlining credential recognition are key steps in ensuring Alberta has the workforce needed to meet our growing infrastructure demands,” says Bill Black.

Major Infrastructure Investments to Support Growth

The CCA welcomes the government’s continued commitment to construct up to 90 new schools and 24 modernized or replacement school projects, creating 200,000 new and modernized educational spaces. This investment will help accommodate Alberta’s surging population growth while creating significant job opportunities in the construction industry.

In addition, the expansion of the Modular Classroom Program will provide rapid solutions to meet school capacity needs across the province.

The CCA also notes the continued implementation of Stronger Foundations, Alberta’s 10-year affordable housing strategy, which aims to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing for 25,000 additional households by 2032-33. Increased investment in housing is essential to ensuring Alberta remains an affordable and attractive place to live and work.

Planning for the Future: Transportation, Mental Health, and Economic Growth

The government’s $6 million investment in a Passenger Rail Master Plan and a 15-year transportation delivery strategy will help improve accessibility, efficiency, and connectivity across Alberta. The CCA encourages further exploration of transportation infrastructure that enhances economic growth and workforce mobility.

Additionally, the province’s $1.4 billion commitment to Recovery Alberta, a new provincial mental health and addiction agency, is a critical investment in workforce well-being. Mental health challenges impact workers across all industries, including construction, and ensuring access to recovery-oriented services will support long-term health outcomes for Albertans.

Conclusion

The Calgary Construction Association commends the Government of Alberta for prioritizing workforce development, infrastructure, and economic growth in the 2025-26 budget. The CCA looks forward to collaborating with government and industry partners to ensure these investments drive long-term prosperity for Alberta’s construction sector and the communities it serves.

#Alberta #Budget #Construction #Advocacy #Calgary #Construction #Industry