GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Advocating on behalf of our members and the profession

BULLETIN - National Infrastructure Assessment

On November 28th, 2025, the Canadian Infrastructure Council released its first National Infrastructure Assessment, as tasked by the federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. This undertaking received support from across industry and government, with a mandate to focus on public infrastructure needed to build more homes. Specifically, water and wastewater, waste management, and public transit and active transportation systems, and the challenges facing these systems due to population growth and climate change.

Completion of a National Infrastructure Assessment report was a key component of CIQS’s advocacy, and we are pleased to see that government is following through on their commitment to complete this important review. CIQS provided input into this assessment, and we are also pleased to see the inclusion of quantity surveyors as part of project management teams beginning in the early stages of projects to unlock opportunities for efficient financial planning.

While this report is an important step in providing a comprehensive review of the current barriers and potential solutions to Canada’s infrastructure needs, it is essential that the Government of Canada put these recommendations into action. Following two successful advocacy days this fall, CIQS will be working to ensure that the federal government, as well as provincial governments, adopt the key recommendations included in this assessment.

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Days on the Hill - October 2025

CIQS vice-chair, Seán Hollywood, PQS, chair, Tammy Stockley, PQS(F), and board director, Ryan Hendricks, PQS held a news conference in the Press Gallery on Parliament Hill on Monday, October 27th to highlight the ongoing affordability crisis in housing and infrastructure, and how a key to addressing this crisis is understanding the role of the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) - and PQS and CEC professionals - in Canada's infrastructure development.

"By recognizing and implementing the capabilities of these professionals", said Hollywood, the federal government can ensure investments are strategically managed, promptly delivered, and maximize a return on investment for Canadian taxpayers."
WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE | HILL DAY 2025 PHOTOS

Canadian Government Eliminates Retaliatory Tariffs on Most US Products

On Friday, August 22, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a significant reset in the trade relationship with the United States, including the withdrawal of most retaliatory tariffs on the US. The only remaining tariffs apply to the auto, steel, and aluminum sectors. The intent of the decision is to alleviate the economic burden on Canadian businesses and consumers caused by tariffs on US imports.

CIQS has advocated for a return to a free trade and tariff free partnership, particularly in the North American context, and has consistently delivered the message that retaliatory tariffs negatively impact Canada's construction industry by driving up costs and hindering the development of trade corridors and critical infrastructure essential for Canada's global competitiveness.

While the removal of most of Canadian government's retaliatory tariffs is a welcome development, the remaining tariffs on steel and aluminum continue to affect our industry.  These tariffs increase project costs and limit access to essential materials, posing ongoing challenges for construction professionals nationwide.  CIQS will continue to advocate for a fully restored free trade relationship that supports the construction sector and reinforces the critical role our members play in infrastructure projects across the country.

Prime Minister Carney announced upcoming stakeholder consultations in preparation for the 2026 CUSMA review, as well the launch of a new industrial strategy and a series of major national infrastructure projects.

CIQS will actively participate in these consultations to ensure the voice of Canada's construction economists is heard.  We remain committed to analyzing the evolving trade landscape and its implications for our members and the broader infrastructure industry.