Articles from Nenew Canada

The Canadian government has launched Build Canada Homes, a federal agency focused on rapidly increasing the supply of affordable housing across the nation. The initiative aims to address homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing, leveraging public lands, and using modern construction methods like factory-built homes and mass timber. With an initial $13 billion investment, the agency will collaborate with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to build at scale, utilizing Canadian materials to support domestic industries. Key projects are set to launch in multiple cities, prioritizing innovative, sustainable construction and the preservation of existing affordable rental housing.

The Canadian government has announced a series of major infrastructure projects to be reviewed by the new Major Projects Office (MPO). These projects include LNG expansion in British Columbia, a new nuclear project in Ontario, and a terminal expansion in Québec, among others. The aim is to streamline project approval processes and attract significant investment while strengthening Canada's position in global energy and trade. The MPO's efforts are expected to close regulatory gaps and coordinate with various stakeholders to expedite project completion.

A report by Info-Tech Research Group highlights urgent risks facing the construction industry, including policy shifts, supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and labor shortages. The report stresses the need for construction IT leaders to adopt a proactive, strategic approach to mitigate these risks and ensure project continuity. It provides a four-step framework to assess risk, align resources, develop critical response plans, and execute with confidence. The report aims to help construction organizations build resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.

The Women’s Infrastructure Network held its 11th Annual Awards ceremony across six Canadian cities to honor female leaders in the infrastructure sector. Angela Clayton of Infrastructure Ontario was named Outstanding Leader, recognized for her impactful leadership in overseeing major infrastructure projects in Canada. Holynde Smiechowski from PCL Construction received the Emerging Leader award, praised for her innovative project management skills and dedication to mentoring others. The event highlights the importance of diversity and leadership development within the construction industry.

The article discusses the impact of U.S.-Canada tariffs on the construction industry in Canada, highlighting challenges such as increased costs, procurement complications, and potential project delays. It outlines legal strategies like contract clauses for change-in-law, taxes, and force majeure as methods to mitigate these risks. The authors suggest that those involved in construction projects should carefully draft contracts and consider potential tariff impacts to allocate risk appropriately.

The Canadian government is investing nearly $16 million in renewable energy and grid modernization projects across the Maritime provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. These investments will enhance electricity grids, advance carbon capture technologies, expand renewable energy projects, and support clean energy initiatives in Indigenous and remote communities. The funding is aimed at making energy systems more reliable and affordable, reducing emissions, and developing job opportunities while fostering partnerships with Indigenous Peoples.

A new report by the Canada Climate Law Initiative and the Canadian Construction Association urges the construction sector to integrate climate resilience into core governance. The guide offers a roadmap for industry leaders to address climate risks, emphasizing the role of directors and leadership in implementing long-term strategies for sustainable construction. Enhanced climate governance is depicted as a competitive advantage, requiring a coordinated, systems-level approach across all project stages. The report aims to help construction companies navigate climate action and align with a transition to a low-carbon economy.

A KPMG report shows that Canada's construction industry is increasingly investing in technology to improve productivity and address labor shortages. The sector is adopting digital tools such as AI, robotics, and BIM to boost efficiency and meet growing demands. However, economic challenges and procurement practices that emphasize cost over innovation remain obstacles. Sector leaders urge for policy reforms to facilitate this technological transition and address supply chain issues.

The article discusses the importance of accelerating national priority projects in Canada to enhance self-reliance, economic resilience, and sovereignty signaling amid current economic challenges. It proposes strategic infrastructure projects that span provincial borders to improve domestic connectivity and engage in more diverse international trade. Suggestions include the establishment of trade corridors and zones, as well as streamlined regulatory approval processes to facilitate the development of such projects. The focus is on projects with long-term benefits for Canada's stability and prosperity.

The article discusses the need for Canada to modernize its outdated energy infrastructure, highlighting the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart systems in enhancing energy security. By implementing AI-powered digital twins and using advanced analytics, Canada can enhance energy production, optimize storage, and improve infrastructure planning. These advancements in intelligent systems aim to address inefficiencies, integrate renewable sources, and solidify Canada's leadership in the global energy market.

Canadian CEOs are urging federal and provincial governments to prioritize large-scale infrastructure projects, including an energy-agnostic utility corridor, to boost national productivity and reduce reliance on the U.S. economy. The KPMG survey reveals a strong call for public-private investments to finance these projects and improve ports and transportation networks. Challenges such as project delays and cost overruns often stem from inadequate governance frameworks, which can be addressed through strategic six-pillar plans to ensure project success. Business leaders emphasize the need for innovation and the incorporation of technology to enhance construction and planning efficiency.