ACA Strengthens Relationships with Government and Members Across Alberta

The past month has been an active and productive one for our Association as we continue advancing our message with government partners and engaging directly with members across the province.

 

Meeting with Minister of Municipal Affairs

ACA met recently with Minister Dan Williams to discuss key issues affecting Alberta’s construction industry:  including public procurement, municipal planning and permitting – including the Automatic Yes Toolkit, skilled workforce development, and predictable infrastructure investment. With Alberta’s population growth and strong construction forecast, the discussion emphasized the need for collaboration to maintain a competitive and efficient industry.

 

Procurement practices remain a major concern across all levels of government. ACA reiterated the importance of addressing unbalanced contract clauses, delayed permitting processes, expanding liability and insurance requirements, and the need for greater collaboration in developing fair and predictable procurement models.

 

We also discussed how lengthy permitting timelines can slow down projects and investment. Creating an active business environment that accelerates approvals will be essential to keeping Alberta’s construction sector strong and adaptable. The meeting was productive, and ACA looks forward to continued progress and open dialogue with the Government of Alberta.

 

Engaging Members Across the Province

 

Throughout September, ACA Board Chair Jen Hancock and Executive Director Warren Singh travelled across Alberta to meet with members, industry leaders, apprentices, and elected officials. The tour provided valuable opportunities to listen, celebrate milestones, and reinforce the vital role of construction in building Alberta’s future.

 

The first stop was Red Deer Polytechnic, where ACA met with apprentices to discuss the importance of skilled trades education and how their work directly shapes Alberta’s communities and quality of life. Apprentices represent the foundation of our industry’s future — building the infrastructure that supports every Albertan.

 

The next stop celebrated a milestone: the Medicine Hat Construction Association’s 70th Anniversary at Medicine Hat College during Apprenticeship Appreciation Day. ACA joined colleagues from the Canadian Construction Association, including Francis Roy and Kenny Leon, to honour the region’s builders and educators

Advancing Skilled Trades Education: ACA Engages with Government on New Youth Trades Initiative

The Alberta Construction Association (ACA) was recently invited to join a mission to Halifax with the Minister of Advanced Education, representatives from the Construction Labour Relations Association (CLRA), Alberta Building Trades, and Ministry staff to explore an exciting new initiative to expand skills exploration and promote careers in the trades.

The trip centered on the potential to develop an Alberta-based trades exploration centre—an experiential learning hub designed to inspire young Albertans to consider rewarding careers in construction and the skilled trades. The concept draws inspiration from the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council’s Trades Exhibition Hall in Halifax, but with ambitions for a larger, province-wide impact tailored to Alberta’s unique industry strengths and workforce needs.

Register for the Digital Tradesperson Training Program

ACA’s Digital Tradesperson “Tradespeople Transitioning to VDC Roles” training program, developed with funding from Alberta Advanced Education, is now offered through asynchronous online modules – hosted on IMAGINiT’s ProductivityNOW eLearning system.

 

This training prepares experienced tradespeople to transition into Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) roles. Participants will complete 15 online modules (approximately 10–15 hours) at their own pace before beginning a VDC-focused work experience placement.

 

Employer Funding Support

Employers may access wage subsidies of up to $20,000 per participant to reimburse wages paid during eligible work placements, as well as up to $5,000 for VDC software licenses.

 

Placements must conclude by February 28, 2026, and participants are required to complete all online modules by that date. Wages paid between the application approval date and February 28, 2026 are eligible for reimbursement.

 

To Register Employees:

1. Review the program’s eligibility guidelines.
2. Submit an employer registration.
3. Submit participant registration for each employee.

 

Additional Learning Resources

Participants will also have access to additional training content on AutoDesk products, BIM Management, Fusion 360, SketchUp, and more, available on ProductivityNOW.

For more information about the program go to:
https://digitaltradesperson.com

Alberta Government Returns with Speech from the Throne

The Alberta Legislature has returned for the fall sitting beginning last week with a speech from the throne. The government focus is based around long term financial stability and continued efforts to diversify the Alberta economy. ACA continues to work with the government on continued investment in infrastructure and workforce development. Highlights include:

 

Economy and Budget

• Alberta positions itself for long-term fiscal stability by growing the Heritage Trust Fund to $250 B by 2050.
• A shift toward sustained diversification — energy, AI, critical minerals, defense spending, and value-added manufacturing — signals significant infrastructure and industrial facility investment.
• Continued assertion of provincial autonomy, especially over resource development, trade, and immigration.
• Emphasis on reducing red tape, modernizing project delivery, and increasing local control.

 Investment in Infrastructure

• $8.6 B committed to 200,000 new K-12 spaces, thousands of new teachers, and expanded post-secondary capacity.
• Large transportation works: Deerfoot Trail, Yellowhead, Highways 3, 11, 63, 88 and 686.
• Expansion of LRT in Edmonton and Calgary plus a provincial passenger-rail strategy.
• Increased municipal and community infrastructure grants and policing, court, and social services facilities.
• Health facilities investments to shift from large, centralized hospitals to specialized chartered surgical centres and activity-based funding.

 Workforce and Immigration

• Government intends to “right-size” immigration, prioritizing economic migrants aligned with Alberta’s labour needs.
• Continued population growth expected despite moderation, sustaining infrastructure demand.
• Targeted expansion of post-secondary trades programs, including investments in thousands of new spaces at post-secondary institutions for trades programs.

You can read the full speech here.

Infrastructure Partners Conference – November 5

Calgary Construction Association Black Tie Industry Gala – November 7

Canadian Construction Association Hill Day – November 18

Your ACA Board

 

Chair
Jen Hancock

 

Senior Vice Chair 
Lois Innes

 

Vice Chair
Kelly Vopni

 

Past Chair 
Jason Portas

 

Directors
Gary Porter (Calgary)
Tom Spatola (Calgary)
Ben Wagemakers (Edmonton)
Daniel McAllister (Edmonton)
Keith Plowman
(Fort McMurray)
Andre Deslaurier (Grande Prairie)
Chad Borne (Lethbridge)
Chase Sabot (Lloydminster)
Guy Bellis (Medicine Hat)
Thomas Sypkes (Red Deer)

 

 

ACA Staff

 

Executive Director
Warren Singh

Policy Analyst
Jonathan Williams