Canada’s Ambitious Infrastructure Plans

At the end of March, Canada published its Federal Budget for 2019 and continues its ambitious infrastructure investment plans. In 2015-16, infrastructure spending was CAD$8 billion annually, but this has nearly doubled to CAD$14.3 billion in 2018-19 thanks to the introduction of the Investing in Canada plan. This year’s budget set out plans to increase this further to CAD$16 billion per year over the next 9 years, a huge boost for the country – and good news for professionals looking for construction jobs in Canada.

Infrastructure in Mind

The Federal Budget included several infrastructure initiatives that covered a wide range of projects. For example, CAD$2.2 billion is set aside for municipalities and communities to repair and renew roads, public transit and local airports, while between CAD$5-6 billion is earmarked for delivering high-speed internet to rural areas. This wide-ranging brief means that there will be plenty of construction jobs for civil engineers, quantity surveyors, mechanical and electrical engineers, telecommunications engineers, and support staff with related experience such as project managers, commercial directors, and construction managers.

Boost for Utilities

While transport and transit projects tend to get lots of attention in Canada, this budget held good news for the utilities sector as well. The Canada Infrastructure Bank plans to support clean hydroelectricity and electrical connectivity infrastructure projects, requiring electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, project managers, and other construction professionals. There were also funds allocated to make repairs to public drinking water systems over the next 5 years.

Sustainability and Focusing on the Future

Another key chapter in the Federal Budget was about supporting greener choices for electricity and transport to reduce utility bills for Canadians. Zero-emission vehicles and the associated infrastructure for them – such as charging points – were high on the agenda, with funding available to spur growth in this area. Energy efficiency projects for residential homes also have ring-fenced funds available as part of this budget.

Rail Opportunities Remain Abundant

On top of the infrastructure projects announced in the Federal Budget are the public transit and transportation projects from the Investing in Canada plan. From 2017, the plan sets out more than CAD$25 billion of investment for public transit projects alone until 2027, increasing the demand for rail systems engineers, rail electrification engineers, and signalling engineers.

Construction Jobs in Canada

No matter what you are looking for, you are bound to find your next construction job in Canada. The wealth of opportunities created by the continued investment in infrastructure means that Canada is fast becoming an employer of choice for rail systems engineers, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, and commercial directors looking for a significant pipeline of challenging and interesting projects. Our growing database of construction jobs in Canada means we are always looking for high-calibre staff. Alternatively, speak to Steve Thomas to discuss your requirements and how we can help find your next role.

About the Author

Steve Thomas
Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada
I am responsible for the Maxim Recruitment office in the UK where our team of recruitment consultants specialise in the recruitment of quantity surveyors, commercial managers, delay, dispute and claims consultants for civil engineering and building contractors and specialist construction consultancies.  I am also responsible for growing our recruitment operation in Canada and the USA where we are increasingly busy.  I have over 20 years’ experience in construction recruitment and enjoy working on both contingency and search/headhunting assignments for our repeat clients.
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Email: steve@maximrecruitment.com