Last week, the federal government unveiled its next round of major infrastructure projects. The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) in British Columbia and Alberta has joined a coalition urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to uphold principles of open and fair procurement in Canada’s construction industry.

The coalition, comprising organizations representing over a million workers across the country—including Indigenous, business, labour, and construction groups—is calling for an end to project labour agreements (PLAs) that limit bidding to building-trades-union-only contractors. These restrictive models, they argue, significantly increase costs, reduce competition, and exclude the majority of Canada’s construction workforce.

“Canadians need more infrastructure built faster and at lower costs—not fewer bidders and inflated prices,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA President and CEO. “Every contractor and worker in Canada deserves a fair chance to participate in these publicly funded, nation-building projects.”

Mike Martens, President of ICBA Alberta, echoed the sentiment, noting Alberta’s successful track record with open bidding, which has led to reduced costs and improved timelines. “Open competition based on safety, quality, experience, and price delivers the best value for taxpayers,” Martens added.

The letter draws attention to British Columbia’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) framework as a cautionary example. Since its implementation, major public projects in the province have seen delays, over $1.7 billion in cost overruns, and a dramatic reduction in both bidders and workers due to the exclusion of non-unionized professionals. This system affects 85% of B.C.’s skilled tradespeople who do not belong to a small group of preferred unions.

Nationwide, over 70% of construction workers are employed under non-traditional labour models, which often provide greater flexibility, training options, and career mobility. Critics argue that closed-shop labour models not only increase project costs and delays but also undermine innovation, exclude Indigenous-owned firms, and hinder economic reconciliation.

The coalition’s message is clear: the federal government must promote inclusive, competitive, and transparent procurement processes to ensure that all qualified firms—regardless of union affiliation—can contribute to building Canada’s future infrastructure.

Read the coalition letter to Prime Minister Carney

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