On the heels of municipal elections that are reshaping political landscapes across Alberta, the Edmonton Construction Association (ECA) is stepping into a new chapter of advocacy — one defined by coordination, credibility and sustained engagement with municipal, provincial and federal decision-makers.
Over the past several years, the ECA has steadily evolved from a relatively quiet industry group into one of the region’s most active and respected voices in construction advocacy. Anchored by what Brookes Merritt, principal at Loyalton Strategies Inc. and contractor to the ECA, describes as a “robust” government relations strategy, the association has built an integrated approach that mirrors the complexity of Alberta’s construction ecosystem.
“We started from a place where government relations were being introduced by new leadership. Today it’s become increasingly targeted and sophisticated,” says Merritt, who is contracted to help guide ECA advocacy initiatives. “We’ve demonstrated to both municipal and provincial governments that the ECA is a trusted partner in developing sound public policy.”
At the heart of the ECA’s current strategy is a three-tiered framework that addresses advocacy at every level of government.
Federally, the association works through the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) to influence issues related to immigration and workforce development, focusing in particular on access to skilled labour — a challenge consistent across the industry.
“We pay close attention to immigration policy and how it supports sectors that rely on the skilled trades,” Merritt notes. International trade policy, domestic trade and labour mobility and federal workforce development programs remain key areas of interest, given their impact on training and apprenticeship opportunities,” he adds.
Provincially, the ECA works closely with the Alberta Construction Association (ACA), though it also pursues independent advocacy when necessary. Its provincial agenda revolves around three pillars: securing predictable funding for construction and infrastructure, promoting workforce development and advocating for a more balanced and modern regulatory framework. Among the most pressing legislative priorities is “contract modernization” — a broad initiative to ensure that procurement and public contracts distributed by economic, education and building ministries reflect current market conditions and equitably distribute risk.
“Ultimately, we’re collaborating with the ACA and the government to help develop contracts and policies that recognize today’s realities — the need for fairer risk allocation, transparent procurement and ongoing investments in the built environment,” says Merritt.
The third component, municipal advocacy, represents the newest and most dynamic area of ECA activity over the past year. This shift acknowledges the excellent work of the ACA at the provincial level, and the fact that ECA members are facing most immediate challenges at the local level — city planning, infrastructure delivery and growth management.
Edmonton is facing rapid population growth and infrastructure strain; the ECA sees municipal engagement as critical.
“We’ve pivoted more toward municipal advocacy this year to ensure the City of Edmonton and region continue to grow responsibly and sustainably,” Merritt says.
Central to that outreach is the ECA’s ongoing We Build This City campaign, which has framed the organization’s message around partnership and shared responsibility for shaping Edmonton’s future. The association has also participated in new forums such as the City of Edmonton’s Infrastructure Committee of Council — the first of its kind — which brings industry stakeholders and city officials together to discuss priorities, challenges and opportunities in city building.
In the leadup to the municipal election this past October, the ECA co-hosted a mayoral forum alongside groups such as BOMA Edmonton and North and NAIOP Edmonton, developing common advocacy principles for the next city council.
“That kind of cooperation,” Merritt says, “has strengthened the industry’s collective influence and amplified its voice at City Hall.”
The ECA’s advocacy model has flourished not only through greater coordination, but also through deep member involvement. Its volunteer-led Government Relations Working Group, composed of board members and industry representatives, has become an engine for policy feedback and direction.
“Our members drive our priorities,” Merritt says. Through regular engagement sessions, in-person forums, and live polling at events like the annual Builders Connect Expo, members help determine which issues the ECA takes to government. The feedback loop works both ways: the association reports back to members and shares updates on how their input translates into action.
That participatory model, Merritt emphasizes, is “the secret sauce” of the ECA’s advocacy success.
“We’re fortunate to have an engaged cohort of board members who aren’t just supporting the work — they’re actively shaping it and stepping up to do the work. It really is remarkable, these folks are all busy professionals, yet commit the time to volunteer to advance our industry.”
As the ECA looks ahead, several policy files stand out. Provincially, the group is closely watching Alberta’s upcoming budget — one of the most important before the next election in the fall of 2027 — with a particular eye on infrastructure commitments in health, education and urban growth. Ensuring that those commitments remain stable and Edmonton continues to receive proportional investment will be a top priority.
At the municipal level, attention will focus on how the new council approaches budgeting for growth, and reintroducing the ECA and its value proposition to newly elected members of city council. Merritt expresses concern about proposals to temporarily halt or delay construction spending, calling such ideas “short-sighted” and “more costly for taxpayers in the long run.” The ECA plans to continue pressing for sustained infrastructure investment that supports city building in the form of infrastructure, services, transportation, housing, community development and asset maintenance.
Federally, the association remains engaged on labour mobility and workforce training, urging the Canadian government to maintain and expand programs that support apprenticeship uptake in the skilled trades.
The ECA’s evolving government relations work has produced tangible results — from improved relationships and credibility with policymakers to strengthened connections across industry associations. Collaborations with groups such as the ACA, BOMA Edmonton North, and NAIOP have amplified advocacy campaigns and allowed for shared messaging around key issues.
“The ECA is a solution-focused association with a well-earned reputation for working collaboratively with others. Our advocacy will continue to encourage Edmonton to act like a big city, to make sure building keeps pace with growth, and that we always put people first. That’s what Edmonton does best.”
For members seeking to stay informed, the ECA publishes quarterly government relations updates and encourages participation through its newsletters and board outreach.
“Consistent engagement is what sets the ECA apart,” Merritt says. “It’s a commitment to representing our members’ interests honestly and with integrity — and making sure that voice remains both authentic and accessible.”
