Friday, May 22, 2026

Across BC, Construction Activity Is Rising, Other Sectors Remain Steady, and Policy Uncertainty Continues to Shape the Path Ahead

Opportunity Builds, Pressure Persists

By Nathan Mathews, BC Director

As we move into summer, the picture in British Columbia is fairly clear: construction activity continues to build, nonconstruction portfolios remain busy and stable, and the policy environment continues to create uncertainty.

There is real opportunity in front of us. But there is also real pressure.

Construction

Industrial activity continues to build across the province. At the Highland Valley Copper mine, expansion work is moving ahead, and the project remains an important source of long term opportunity. Woodfibre LNG is also trending upward, with activity increasing as crews continue to grow. At the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, work remains business as usual, with a larger workforce expected later this summer as activity increases.

Bidding also remains active across multiple industrial scopes, and CLAC-signatory contractors are well positioned as additional awards come forward. Looking farther north, the Ksi Lisims LNG project remains one of the most significant future opportunities on the horizon. It is still early in the process, but the scale of the project—and the potential for CLAC contractors to perform a major share of the work—make it one we continue to watch closely.

At the same time, not every development has moved in a positive direction. At Brucejack Mine, the shift away from a contractor model has created uncertainty, and there is understandable concern about what that may mean for the workforce. These situations are a reminder that, while there is strong project activity in BC, stability cannot be taken for granted.

Overall, the construction outlook remains active. There is work in the system, there is interest in the market, and there is a clear need for skilled labour. The key will be ensuring that Local 68 members and contractors have fair access to the opportunities that are developing.

Healthcare, Hospitality, Service, Transportation, and Education

Outside construction, our nonconstruction portfolios remain busy and stable. This work does not always attract the same level of public attention as large industrial projects, but it matters just as much. In hospitality, education, community health, service, manufacturing, and transportation, Local 62, 66, and 501 members are dealing with many of the same pressures seen elsewhere in the economy: rising costs, operational changes, wage expectations, bargaining demands, and uncertainty tied to restructuring or relocation.

In a number of these workplaces, the issues are less about rapid growth and more about providing steady support through change. That requires careful representation, clear communication, and a practical focus on what members need in the moment. These files continue to require significant time and attention for CLAC representatives, and they remain an important part of the work we are doing across BC.

Government Relations and Labour Policy

The policy environment remains a significant concern. For several years now, labour policy changes in BC have continued to restrict CLAC’s access to public work. Another labour relations code review is underway, and some of the proposals being discussed could have meaningful implications for contractor models, certification structures, and project access.

We continue to navigate the uncertainty created by government-directed project labour agreements and related policy decisions. From CLAC’s perspective, the principle is straightforward: workers should have fair access to work, contractors should have the opportunity to compete openly, and public policy should not be used to narrow participation based on political preference.

The broader political and fiscal environment also adds to the uncertainty. Affordability remains a major concern across the province, and economic pressure continues to shape public debate. That matters because labour policy does not exist in isolation. It affects real projects, real employers, and real members trying to build a future in BC.

Organizing and Growth

Organizing remains active as well. In construction, several campaigns are underway, with the potential for additional activity as work awards come forward. We are also pursuing growth opportunities outside construction, including our continued expansion in education. That work takes time, but it is an important part of ensuring CLAC continues to grow in sectors where workers are looking for practical, effective representation.

The Work Ahead

Heading into the next few months, BC should remain busy. There is a solid pipeline of work, particularly in industrial construction and infrastructure. There is ongoing demand for experienced workers. And active files across hospitality, healthcare, education, service, and transportation continue to require steady representation and careful planning.

At the same time, there is no shortage of uncertainty. Project models are shifting in some areas, labour policy remains challenging, and the political environment is still evolving. So, while there is reason for optimism, there is also a need for realism. The work ahead will require preparation, consistency, and a clear focus on protecting opportunities for CLAC members and signatory employers.

Across BC, the work continues on multiple fronts: supporting members, pursuing new opportunities, and responding to an evolving policy landscape. Our priority is to ensure you have access to fair work, strong representation, and a voice in the decisions that affect your livelihood. As conditions shift, we remain focused on practical support for your future, backed by the professionalism and quality of work you and your fellow members demonstrate every day.