b'GRADING THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENTCARNEYSFIRST SEMESTER GRADING THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENTS EARLY PERFORMANCE By Matthew BradfordCANADAS LIBERAL GOVERNMENTMollenhauer, president and CEO of TCA.Disentangling Canadian construction has set a brisk pace since winningStill, he notes that while trade challengessupply chains from U.S. dependence a minority in the 2025 federal election.and unpredictability continue, Carneywill take time, given decades of close With nearly half a year under its belt, thishas done a pretty good job against veryeconomic partnership and the long is an opportune time to reflect on thetall odds. timelines of construction contracts. Mark Carney administrations Gilbert says the CCA is urging all levels early performance. Canada-U.S. trade tensions are unlikelyof government to adopt economic to abate anytime soon. Rodrigue Gilbert,measures and refine the remission The Liberals emerged from Aprilspresident of the Canadian Constructionprocess to support Canadian businesses election with no shortage of priorities,Association (CCA), says the industryin consultation with industry. chief among them responding to risinghopes the Liberal government will apply tensions between Canada and the U.S.,a measured and controlled responseWe acknowledge the federal particularly over tariffs and trade barriers.that shields the construction sector fromgovernments response through Since these issues persist despite effortsfurther disruption. the United States Surtax Remission to counter the Trump administrationsOrder, but the current scope explicitly actions and ease cross-border friction, itWe understand that Canada mustexcludes construction, he adds. This remains too early to assign a grade to therespond to President Trumps tariffs withis a significant oversight and forces the Carney governments response. counter-tariffs as a show of strength.construction industry to bear the brunt of But the reality is that our industry, as athis trade dispute.On the pressing issue of tariffs, Carneynon-exporting one, is paying the bill and seems to be saying and doing the rightsuffering the consequences, he explains.ON KEYthings. But when his opposite numberThat is why our industry has consistentlyCONSTRUCTION ISSUESis a loose cannon like Trump, it doesntadvocated for strengthened supply chainsSix months on, the Liberal partys chant matter how good you areits still aand diversification from the U.S. towardto Build Bigger, Bolder and Better bit Mission Impossible, says JohnCanadian manufacturers. continues to resonate. The slogan 30Quarter 32025 BUILDERSDIGEST'