Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) welcomes today’s announcement of the Major Projects Office (MPO), a positive move in advancing critical infrastructure and supporting Canada’s future. The creation of the MPO marks a shift in federal priorities and signals that the government is serious about improving how large-scale projects are approved and delivered. It also highlights the important role Alberta’s construction industry plays in building the infrastructure Canadians rely on. CLRA congratulates Dawn Farrell on her appointment as the MPO’s first Chief Executive Officer. Her leadership and extensive background in Canada’s energy sector make her a strong choice to lead this new office and work with industry to help move important projects forward. “Establishing the MPO in Calgary makes sense and reinforces Alberta’s central role in Canada’s infrastructure strategy. The city is home to a skilled workforce and a strong network of energy and construction expertise. Having the office in Calgary keeps it close to the industries and communities that are driving major development across Canada,“ said CLRA CEO, Joe McFadyen. While this is a strong start, there is still much work to do. The MPO must demonstrate it can fulfill its mandate by cutting delays, coordinating efforts and supporting projects

Starting this fall, CLRA members will be eligible to apply for the new Canada‑Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG), which replaces the former Canada‑Alberta Job Grant. When the original program was cancelled, CLRA strongly advocated for an alternative, voicing our members’ concerns and urging government to reinstate a funding tool to support workforce training needs. We are pleased to see that this advocacy has helped bring forward the CAPG — a program designed to strengthen Alberta’s skilled workforce and improve productivity across our sector. Through the CAPG employers can access funding to: Cover up to 75% of training costs when hiring and training unemployed Albertans Receive up to 50% of training costs when upskilling existing staff Choose from full‑time, part‑time, online, in‑person, or hybrid training formats. Information sessions begin this week – learn more about eligibility, requirements, and how to prepare your application.

Five of CLRA’s members, PCL Construction, EllisDon, AECON, Bird Construction and Michels Canada, were included in this year’s Top 40 Contractors line-up by On-Site Magazine. Our members represent nearly half of the Top 10 companies on the list, with PCL Construction securing the number one spot due to their $11.3 billion in 2024 revenue. According to results from On-Site’s recent survey, the reported and cumulative revenue of the Top 10 firms alone was nearly $1 billion higher in 2024 than in 2023, a remarkable year-over-year surge. The industry continues to boom. Our members are navigating a complex landscape in Alberta right now, weathering economic fluctuation, workforce shortages, supply chain issues, high retirement rates – yet they consistently lead the construction sector in safety, training, and workforce development. CLRA will continue to advocate for Alberta’s construction employers as they build the infrastructure, careers, and communities of the province’s future. Read the full story here.