Building smarter, together: Takeaways from the 2025 CCA Annual Conference

While a new Prime Minister was being sworn in and headlines focused on trade tensions and policy shifts, construction leaders across Canada gathered in Quebec City for the 2025 Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Annual Conference. 

The timing couldn’t have been more relevant. With change happening at the federal level and uncertainty around what comes next for the economy, the construction sector came together to share ideas, learn from one another, and figure out how to move forward.

Quebec City — known for its mix of heritage buildings and modern revitalization — was a fitting backdrop. The mood inside the conference was a mix of realism and optimism. Yes, there are big challenges ahead. But there’s also a sense that if the industry works smarter and more collaboratively, there’s a huge opportunity to lead the way forward.

A reality check that hit home

The conference didn’t sugar-coat anything. One of the clearest takeaways? Canada’s construction industry has some catching up to do — especially when it comes to productivity.

Compared to other G7 countries, Canada ranks last in construction productivity. While that’s not news to most in the industry, hearing it laid out so plainly served as a wake-up call. In the U.S. and parts of Europe, contractors are already using advanced tools like AI, modular construction, and digital project tracking as standard practice. In Canada, many businesses are still early in that journey.

But the gap also means there’s room to grow — and fast. The conversations weren’t about blame. They were about potential. If we’re willing to change how we work, the opportunity to improve productivity, reduce costs, and win more work is right in front of us.

Labour shortages demand new thinking

If there was one obstacle universally acknowledged, it was labour. Across Canada, contractors are grappling with growing shortages of skilled trades. That’s nothing new, but recently immigration policy changes — particular those limiting foreign worker intake — have intensified the problem.

In many regions, foreign workers have historically filled critical construction roles, helping to meet demand and maintain timelines. Now, with that pipeline constrained, attendee discussions zeroed in on how to adapt. Businesses are shifting toward prefabrication, using modular designs that can be built off-site and assembled quickly. Others are turning to automation — like drones for inspections, robots for repetitive tasks, and software that helps crew plan better and work more efficiently.

The point wasn’t just to highlight the challenges. It was to show how builders are responding. And that response is increasingly focused on working smarter, not just harder.

Innovation moves from concept to construction site

Technology has long been a talking point in construction, but this year’s sessions showed that digital tools are finally moving from boardroom conversations to jobsite applications.

Multiple speakers shared examples of AI and machine learning being used to enhance project planning, risk management, and budgeting. One particularly compelling example involved replacing cinder blocks with plastic alternatives, a solution that reduces both material costs and environmental impact. Other businesses are using sensors and predictive analytics to anticipate delays, improve safety, and monitor material usage in real time.

Planning technology was another hot topic. Tools that provide real-time dashboards across the project lifecycle — tracking budgets, staff utilization, and procurement timelines — are giving businesses a clearer line of sight and more agility in decision-making.

The takeaway? Technology doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective. Even small steps, like improving how data is collected or upgrading smarter estimating software, can have a big impact.

Procurement is opening up, but the bar’s higher

Few areas in construction are as complex — or as ripe for improvement as procurements, which was another major focus. And not just from the usual government perspective, this year, the tone was more collaborative.

Attendees discussed new models like integrated project delivery, modified design-build, and updated public-private partnership approaches that spread risk and encourage more cooperation between all parties involved.

There was also a push to get more businesses involved in public contracts. One stat that stood out: Defence Construction Canada awarded over $10 billion in contracts last year, with 22.5 percent going to first-time contractors and 8.3 percent awarded to Indigenous-owned businesses. That’s a clear sign that procurement is becoming more inclusive and diverse.

But with that comes higher expectations. To compete, businesses need to be ready — especially when it comes to tracking environmental impact, workforce planning, and tech adoption. Those that can’t meet those standards may start getting left out of the conversation. 

Quebec City sends a message

Quebec City didn’t just host the conference — it helped shape the tone. In his opening remarks, the city’s mayor made a point that resonated with many; governments and contractors need to work more like partners and less like adversaries.

That sentiment was echoed throughout the conference. Municipalities are now tackling larger, more complex builds, but many lack the planning expertise or budget forecasting needed to make them successful. The result? Projects get delayed — or cancelled altogether.

The message was clear: it’s time for earlier collaboration between municipalities and contractors. That means more realistic scopes, clearer budgets, and shared accountability from the start. Everyone wins when public dollars are used wisely, and projects don’t stall halfway through.

Sustainability is no longer a side note

Environment impact isn’t something the industry can afford to push aside anymore. Construction remains one of the top contributors to Canada’s overall carbon footprint, and expectations for greener, more sustainable building practices are growing.

What’s encouraging is that innovation in this space is already happening. Panels showcased materials like algae-based soundproofing and carbon-neutral insulation. Companies recognized during the innovation awards were largely focused on green solutions.

And clients, especially government clients, are taking notice. Environmental criteria are being baked into procurement processes, and businesses that don’t address sustainability in their proposals may find themselves losing out.

The bottom line — being sustainable isn’t just good for the planet but becoming essential for winning work. 

Getting ready for what’s coming

Even with all the uncertainty in today’s market, the tone of the conference was centred with optimism. Most attendees agreed that construction is one of the sectors best positioned to help drive Canada’s recovery.

That means now is the time to prepare. Contractors need to start by assessing their current systems. Are you digitally ready? Do you understand the value and benefits of contract documents like the new and modified CCDC contracts? Can your business meet rising expectations around workforce tracking, climate reporting, and project transparency?

The businesses that invest in readiness today will be the ones ready to lead when demand ramps up again. Whether it’s building affordable housing, modernizing infrastructure, or leading in sustainable development, this industry is front and centre.

But stepping into that role means embracing change. It means building capacity, modernizing operations, and collaborating across sectors — especially with public clients who are facing tighter budgets and more scrutiny. This isn’t the time to slow down and wait for certainty. It’s the time to get organized, get strategic, and get moving.

The 2025 CCA Annual Conference didn’t offer easy answers, but it did offer a roadmap. For businesses willing to think differently, work smarter, and build stronger partnerships, the next chapter of Canadian construction could be the most impactful yet.