Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news related to residential and commercial construction and infrastructure, and related government initiatives.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Announces New Immigration Measures to Support Construction Industry

On March 7, 2025, the Canadian government unveiled measures to bolster the construction sector through immigration. Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of immigrants in meeting the country's housing demand. The initiative includes forming a tripartite advisory council to assess labor needs and create pathways for skilled workers, such as regularization for out-of-status workers and support for foreign apprentices. These measures aim to address the housing shortage and labor market needs by retaining skilled workers with robust protections and wage standards.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and New Brunswick Invest in Housing Infrastructure

On March 3, 2025, Canada and New Brunswick finalized a 10-year agreement under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, allocating $150.5 million to enhance infrastructure like drinking water and wastewater systems, essential for supporting new housing developments. This agreement is part of a broader federal investment of over $5 billion to support long-term infrastructure priorities, ensuring communities have the capacity to meet housing demands.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Launches New Skilled Trades Campaign

The Government of Canada, on March 3, 2025, initiated the next phase of its National Skilled Trades advertising campaign to attract more workers to high-demand sectors like construction and manufacturing. Minister Steven MacKinnon highlighted the campaign's focus on promoting skilled trades as first-choice careers, targeting youth through social media, podcasts, and interactive displays across the country. The initiative supports building a robust, inclusive, and productive trades workforce.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Housing Design Catalogue Launched to Expedite Construction

On March 7, 2025, the Canadian government released the Housing Design Catalogue, featuring 50 standardized designs for various housing types. This initiative, part of Canada's Housing Plan, aims to simplify planning and construction processes by providing designs focused on accessibility, energy efficiency, and compliance with local codes. The catalogue is expected to reduce costs and accelerate housing delivery.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Rental Protection Fund Launched

The Canadian government announced the launch of the Canada Rental Protection Fund on March 7, 2025. This initiative seeks to preserve affordable rental units and mitigate the loss of housing due to redevelopment and rising rents. The fund will enable community housing providers to acquire buildings and maintain affordability, leveraging federal funding to attract private and philanthropic investments.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Federal Investment in Scarborough Skills Training Centre

The federal government announced a $7.2 million investment in Scarborough for a Skills Training Centre, focusing on trades and trucking, enhancing local skills development in high-demand areas.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal and Manitoba Governments Finalize Housing Infrastructure Agreement

Canada and Manitoba have signed a 10-year agreement under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, with $209.8 million dedicated to improving infrastructure essential for housing development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Sawmills Report Decrease in Lumber Production

Statistics Canada reported a 16.6% decrease in lumber production in December 2024, impacting materials availability for housing construction.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Commercial Rents in Key Canadian Markets

New data on commercial rents from the fourth quarter of 2024 is now available, providing insights into economic conditions affecting commercial real estate.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Brunswick Modular Home Manufacturer Expansion

Ironwood Manufactured Homes received a $2.5 million investment to expand its facility and enhance production, supporting the demand for affordable housing.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Tribunal Decision on Highway Maintenance Bid

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal upheld a complaint by White Bear Industries regarding a bid rejection on an Alaska Highway maintenance contract, impacting future procurement processes.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Awards Construction Contract for East Harbour Transit Hub

Ontario has awarded a contract for the East Harbour Transit Hub, set to improve transit connections and support 50,000 jobs in the Greater Toronto Area.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Financial Measures Act Introduced in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia's government introduced the Financial Measures Act, including tax cuts and legislative changes to support housing development.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

B.C. Budget 2025 Released Amid Tariff Threats

B.C.'s Budget 2025 focuses on protecting jobs and public services, with investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure to withstand potential U.S. tariffs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Saskatchewan Announces Rural Roads Improvement Funding

Saskatchewan is investing over $34.4 million in rural road projects to enhance transportation infrastructure and support the province's export economy.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

B.C. and Canada Sign Agreement to Address Homelessness

B.C. and Canada signed an agreement to provide $39.9 million each for housing and support services to address homelessness in Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Kamloops.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Marc Miller Discusses Construction Sector Job Shortage

MP Marc Miller shared a report highlighting a 64,000 job shortage in the construction sector, emphasizing the need for legal pathways for undocumented workers.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Pierre Poilievre Advocates for Housing Tax Cuts

MP Pierre Poilievre visited the United Brotherhood of Carpenters training facility, promoting a tax cut proposal to save up to $50,000 on new homes.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Tony Van Bynen Announces Investment in Trades Program

MP Tony Van Bynen announced a $1.1 million federal investment in Blue Door's Construct program, aimed at training individuals in pre-apprenticeship trades.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Ginette Petitpas Taylor Highlights Infrastructure Agreement

MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced a $150.5 million agreement with New Brunswick to renew water infrastructure, facilitating housing development.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CTV News: National organization aims to empower women in construction.
• The Globe and Mail: Tariff uncertainty impacts home sales, affecting housing market dynamics.
• Global News: Housing industry braces for potential tariff impacts.
• CTV News: Group seeks funding for affordable housing renovations.
• Saugeen Shores: Saugeen Shores partners with Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing projects.