The National Construction Labour Relations Alliance of Canada (NCLRA) and Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) want to see the swift passage of Bill C-5: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act.
This legislation is a critical step toward strengthening the Canadian economy and supporting the nation’s skilled workforce at a time of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. NCLRA and CLRA have long championed investments in infrastructure and policies that will unlock economic opportunities for Canadian workers and benefit families across the country. Internal trade barriers and regulatory hurdles for project approvals have cost the Canadian economy billions of dollars annually.
“Canada’s construction workforce is ready to deliver — but we need governments to clear the path,” says Tony Fanelli, Chair of NCLRA. “Bill C-5 sets the foundation for seamless labour mobility and coordinated infrastructure delivery across provinces. It’s a decisive step toward eliminating costly inefficiencies and empowering the skilled trades to meet the demands of a changing world. This is the kind of legislation that puts people to work and gets critical projects moving.”
NCLRA and CLRA will continue to support forward-thinking policies that allow major projects to proceed more efficiently, benefiting workers, communities, and the overall resilience of Canada’s economy.
“Bill C-5 offers a welcome reset for how we build, move, and grow in Canada,” says Joe McFadyen, President of CLRA. “For too long, artificial barriers have held back skilled workers and delayed critical infrastructure. This legislation is a chance to turn the page. Its success will depend on real collaboration between industry and all levels of government. The time to act is now — for the future of Canada’s construction industry and our nation’s long-term security.”
Bill C-5 lays the foundation for a stronger, more integrated, and opportunity-rich Canada. It will help reshape how we plan and approve the infrastructure that connects our country and expands our access to international markets.
