B.C. construction leaders are slamming the B.C. budget, calling it out of touch, out of date and insufficient.
The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) president and CEO Chris Gardner said the combination of massive deficits, rising debt, and a looming trade war will have dire consequences for B.C.’s economy and the construction industry.
“Premier David Eby’s government is spending as if everything is fine when the reality is, British Columbia is on the brink of a recession,” said Gardner. “This budget was out of date before it was even printed. A full-blown trade war with the United States will hammer B.C. exports, drive up costs for builders, and put tens of thousands of jobs at risk.”
The B.C. budget forecasts 1.8 per cent real GDP growth in 2025, but ICBA warns that number is “wildly optimistic” given the economic damage expected from prolonged tariffs.
The Trump tariffs, and retaliatory measures from the Canadian government, are already creating uncertainty across the construction sector. The first wave of Canadian counter-tariffs includes more than $3 billion in U.S.-made home appliances, flooring materials, nails, screws, fasteners, and construction machinery, all of which will drive up costs for builders and delay projects.
“If this trade war escalates, tariffs on steel and a wide range of building products are less than three weeks away,” warned Gardner. “That’s going to hit everything from structural beams to HVAC systems and everything in between. Costs will skyrocket, projects will be delayed or cancelled, people will lose their jobs and families in all parts of our province will be the ones left paying the price.”
The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) also expressed concerns about the budget’s insufficient support for the construction industry.
“The provincial government has made clear its commitment to defending our province and growing our economy—now, it’s time to follow through,” said Chris Atchison, president of BCCA. “The construction industry has identified straightforward strategies and solutions that will enhance resilience and drive productivity. We’re ready and willing to work with the provincial government to get these done and build a stronger B.C.”
Eliminating barriers to interprovincial trade, implementing Prompt Payment legislation, and streamlining approval and contracting processes were pointed out by the association as ways to bolster the construction industry.
“The majority of our members are concerned that economic uncertainty will reduce demand for projects in B.C.,” added Atchison. “We urge the provincial government to take immediate action by passing policies and investing in initiatives designed to protect, preserve, and power one of our province’s strongest industries and economic contributors.”
The ICBA is calling for several action items to “protect jobs and investment,” including slashing project approval timelines to speed up housing and infrastructure development; reversing tax and fee hikes; scrapping Community Benefits Agreements; focusing more on core infrastructure; and helping cities fund key municipal infrastructure.
“This government has spent years getting in the way of economic growth. Now we’re facing a crisis that requires bold action,” said Gardner. “The NDP has failed to course-correct, leaving B.C. weaker, in serious trouble and with a limited ability to respond.”
