PCA Statement of Support for B.C.'s Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) strongly supports the Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act, introduced by B.C. Conservative MLA Kyle Giddens in the B.C. Legislature today, recognizing it as an important step toward fair, open and competitive public sector construction in British Columbia.

PCA has long highlighted how restrictive tendering systems drive up costs and limit competition, as demonstrated through initiatives such as the Fair and Open B.C. campaign in 2024. The Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act directly addresses these concerns by prohibiting procurement rules that require specific labour affiliations, ensuring that all qualified contractors can compete on equal footing.

The bill also aligns with PCA’s modern, collaborative labour model, which has delivered superior results—greater productivity, fewer disputes and more efficient public infrastructure—across major projects in B.C. and Alberta. PCA has consistently warned that union-exclusive agreements and restrictive procurement policies increase project costs and limit taxpayer value.

By promoting openness, fairness and competition, the Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act will strengthen British Columbia’s construction sector and help ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. PCA welcomes this legislation as a positive step toward a more efficient, inclusive and innovative procurement system.

Quote from PCA President & CEO, Paul de Jong:

“The Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act is a smart, forward-looking reform that puts fairness and value for taxpayers first. By opening up public projects to all qualified builders, British Columbia would benefit from more competition, resulting in better outcomes and a more innovative construction sector. Our contractor members have shown across Canada, including right here in B.C., that collaborative, modern labour models deliver projects efficiently and to the highest standards. This legislation helps ensure that all builders and their workers get the opportunity to contribute to the province’s infrastructure needs.”