Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA)

Statement re: critical infrastructure exemption from cost increases March 12, 2025

As the national voice for Canada’s electrical contracting industry, the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) represents and champions the interests of more than 8,000 electrical contractors who directly employ 70,000 skilled people across Canada who, in turn, generate over $5 billion in revenues annually.

It is in this capacity, and at this time of new and threatened tariffs on materials originating in both Canada and the United States, that we strongly urge the exemption of tariffs, reciprocal tariffs and any other form of price escalation on critical infrastructure projects throughout North America.

These essential projects impacting industry, energy and transportation, including roads, bridges and railways, are critical to economic and social stability and development across Canada and the US. Putting projects such as these at risk due to unpredictable and potentially unmanageable materials costs will undoubtedly have devastating and long term impacts on the economic future of both nations.

CECA, in championing for Canada’s skilled, committed and hard-working contractors large and small, recommends that large infrastructure projects be exempt from tariffs and other cost escalations. Let’s keep people working on both sides of the border to deliver on critical infrastructure projects, and help ensure a robust and certain future for Canada and the United States.