PCA Applauds Alberta’s UCP Budget

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), whose member companies employ thousands of Alberta construction workers, supports the Alberta government’s 2023 budget, which focuses on key infrastructure investments to create jobs, drive further economic growth and boost the “Alberta advantage.”

Budget 2023 forecasts a surplus of $2.4 billion in 2023/24 and spending of $68.3 billion.

“This is a budget that puts good, well-paying Alberta jobs front and centre,” said Paul de Jong, President of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada. “We fully support efforts aimed at improving the province’s business climate, and getting important infrastructure projects built.”

Budget 2023 includes significant infrastructure investments in healthcare facilities, improving the road and bridge network and airport expansion. Close to $23 billion has been earmarked for capital projects over the next three years, supporting more than 20,000 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs each year through to 2025/26.

PCA is a strong supporter of government budget initiatives to address labour shortages, including a $111 million investment over three years to support and expand post-secondary enrollment in high demand sectors such as construction, as well as a commitment to extend the Alberta at Work initiative to 2025/26.

“This budget shows just how important construction is to the Alberta economy,” added de Jong. “As an industry, we’re proud to play a role in boosting Alberta’s reputation as a leader in energy, innovation and major infrastructure construction.”