May Updates from the Canadian Construction Association
Below are some highlights from CCA’s May Newsletter. To read their newsletter in full, click here.
Budget 2021 a win for CCA members, rollout of existing money still lags
Budget 2021 delivers on a number of CCA’s pre-budget asks, including increased support for green and trade-enabling infrastructure investment, workforce capacity building, a commitment to beginning a 25-year infrastructure plan and investment to advance innovation in construction. The 739-page document also promises to extend business supports like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Existing supports extended until September 2021, new Canada Recovery Hiring Program added —
The Government of Canada is investing $13 billion to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Canada Emergency Business Account to September 25, 2021, with flexibility to further extend the programs to November should issues regarding COVID-19 outbreaks and community spread continue.
The federal government is also introducing a new measure to help businesses hire and re-hire staff. The Canada Recovery Hiring Program will provide qualifying employers with up to $1,129 per week for employees hired between June 6, 2021 and November 20, 2021. The program is expected to cost $595 million in 2021-22. CCA will be publishing further details for membership on this specific measure once they become available.
Updated COVID health and safety protocols now available
CCA has updated its COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for All Canadian Construction Sites to underline the urgency around following health guidelines on worksites, including ideally upgrading to wearing an N-95 mask or a commercial-grade equivalent, maintaining physical distance while traveling to and from worksites… READ MORE.
CCA announces “Big Table” initiative to inform its submission on a long-term infrastructure strategy and framework
Infrastructure Canada has launched a National Infrastructure Assessment consultation. Based on a similar initiative undertaken in the United Kingdom from 2016-2018, “Building the Canada We Want in 2050” will seek stakeholder input on identifying Canada’s evolving needs and priorities in the built environment for the next 30 years… READ MORE.