RC124 MayJun 2026 - Magazine - Page 38
PEOPLE & EVENTS
EVENTS
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From innovation
and environmental
achievement to
community leadership,
world-class safety and
workforce excellence,
the recipients of the
2025 CCA National
Awards represented
the industry’s best and
brightest.
HE THEMES OF NATION BUILDING and building relationships
ran through many of the sessions at the annual
Canadian Construction Association Conference in
San Diego, California.
Former MP and president of the Treasury Board
of Canada Scott Brisson opened the conference with
a speech highlighting the important role the construction
industry plays in leading the country “at this very
important time.”
With relations with our southern neighbour at an
all-time low, Brisson pointed out that there is “great
excitement around the world regarding trade with
Canada.
“There has never been a better time in Canada to think
globally about trade,” he said.
The U.S. tari昀昀s and ongoing negotiations of the CUSMA
agreement was another topic of discussion during one
of the many panels held during the event. According
to Keanin Loomis, president and CEO of the Canadian
Institute of Steel Construction, this has created uncertainty
T
38—RENEW CANADA – MAY/JUNE 2026
for Canada’s construction industry, particularly around
material costs, and especially for steel products.
“We’ve been working with the federal government
to help protect the Canadian steel industry,” said. “[We]
share the U.S.’s concerns regarding the 昀氀ood of cheap
and subsidized steel in the North American market.”
The CCA also announced its Construction for
Canadians Tour, a new national docuseries set to begin
昀椀lming in June. The 12-week, cross-country tour will give
Canadians a behind-the-scenes look at the work, people
and expertise required to bring major projects to life at a
time of ambitious national construction priorities.
“Canada has set bold goals for housing and
infrastructure delivery,” said Gilbert. “While construction
is central to the homes, roads, hospitals and public
infrastructure Canadians rely on every day, much of the
work that goes into delivering these projects happens
out of sight. This series is about opening the door and
showing Canadians the incredible e昀昀ort, coordination
and skilled talent required to build our country.”
RENEWCANADA.NET
TIM OTTO PHOTOGRAPHY
Canadian Construction Association Conference
