Visit Election 2008 at Journal of Commerce
SPECIAL SECTION
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.
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.
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.
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.
| MOST POPULAR STORIES |
- Flaherty provides update on progress of federal PPP Canada program
- Court levies $85,000 fine against Bondfield Construction
- Sherritt plans to cut spending on Ambatovy nickel project
- CFIB warns WSIB’s Bill 119 will put contractors out of business
- U.S. steel plans to lay off about 100 workers at Lake Erie facility, union leaders say
- 20 Most Popular Stories
| CURRENT STORIES |
- Tying up loose ends at Absolute World Tower Four
- Dialogue necessary when deciding who should bear P3 project risk, panel members agree
- Black Diamond to build $15-million Devon Jackfish executive lodge
- China’s economic chief Zhang Ping warns of deepening global financial crisis
- Commodities slump puts demolition firms in tight squeeze
- Practice of commissioning sustainable buildings gains momentum
- Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships announces winners of national P3 awards
- Deere & Co. reports 18 per cent decline fiscal fourth-quarter 2008 profit
| ALEX’S BLOG |

Reed Construction Data Chief Economist Alex Carrick discusses current developments in Canada's economic environment. He also shares light-hearted reflections on life and current events.
Economics Blog More 
- The United States will be a Leader in Deflationary Price Drops (November 28, 2008)
- New and Existing Home Prices Moderate as Economy Contracts (November 25, 2008)
- The Outlook for Canada’s Home Renovation Market (November 21, 2008)
Lifestyle Blog More 
- The Curious Meanings of some Canadian place names Continued (December 1, 2008)
- A Mathematical Proof that Economists are Sexy (November 21, 2008)
| PROJECT NEWS BRIEFS |
Updates on Canadian construction projects from Reed Construction Data’s research team. More 
- Rio Tinto Alcan invests in new run-of-river hydro project at Shipshaw power station (Nov 27, 2008)
- Graziani + Corazza Architects Inc. near completion of working drawings for Aura at College Park (Nov 26, 2008)
- Roseau River First Nation seeks private investors for community medical office (Nov 26, 2008)
- Ventin Group readies working drawings for Goodes Hall at Queen’s University (Nov 26, 2008)
- Major redevelopment planned for Lloydminster Hospital (Nov 26, 2008)
