Election 2008

Canadian construction industry sets out agenda for coming federal election

With another federal election at hand, the construction industry will follow closely how each party approaches issues of infrastructure, skills development and labour mobility on the campaign trail.

Consulting engineers say sustainable development should be key election issue

As far as the Canadian consulting engineering industry is concerned, sustainable development should rank as a key issue in the upcoming federal election campaign.

Federal leaders’ election debate sidesteps construction industry issues

Issues of infrastructure, immigration and skilled labour shortages received little to no airtime in the recent English language leaders’ debate — to no one’s surprise, says an industry official.

Open-shop contractors and trades council agree next federal government must broaden skilled-labour focus

Federal parties should focus their plans to address the skilled labour shortage away from just training and apprenticeships, say provincial trades and open-shop officials.

Sewer, watermain contractors beat election drum for infrastructure cash

It took the wettest summer in history, but Ontarians have finally woken up to the desperate state of water and sewer infrastructure in this province, and the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) is calling on the federal government for help.

DCN election poll finds Conservatives still in the lead

Through two leader’s debates, increasing economic pressures and the late release of party platform, the Conservatives have remained the frontrunner in the Daily Commercial News’ online election reader poll.

Another Tory minority government means little will change for construction industry, association officials say

The return of a Tory minority government to Ottawa does not bring much of anything new for construction, say some industry officials.

Municipalities look to federal parties for leadership on infrastructure issues

Canadian municipalities are looking for leadership on issues ranging from public transit to clean drinking water and officials in construction support their call.

Cement, concrete bodies say consultation lacking on carbon-tax proposal

As federal leaders debate the merits of a carbon tax, concrete and cement officials are calling for a further study of options in the climate-change fight.

Diesel tax cut welcomed by construction industry but details required

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s proposed diesel tax cut if re-elected has caught the attention of construction stakeholders but more details are needed.