We have heard from Premier Eby that he is considering calling an election imminently. BCCA believes that would be a mistake, and our organization senses that many British Columbians share that concern.

The BC construction industry is facing significant uncertainty and a lack of confidence. Some of that is clearly beyond our control. But, frustratingly, some of it is within the provincial government’s control. Dissolving the Legislature ahead of the Fall sitting, putting government into caretaker mode and plunging our province into an election when the Premier already has a majority mandate to carry out his agenda is not what our industry or the rest of BC needs right now.

The construction sector is largely made up of small and medium-sized businesses operating in communities across our province. They are a lifeline for the sector and for the broader economy. The uncertainty surrounding construction and infrastructure investment is having real consequences, with some of our members telling us they are weeks away from losing major projects because of the ongoing impact of tariffs.

While tariffs are beyond the provincial government’s control, decisions made here at home can either reduce uncertainty or add to it. Right now, our industry needs greater confidence and predictability.

The message from the Premier should be that his government is focused on responding to the economic reality around us, backed by clear actions and investment. We have seen a similar focus federally through Prime Minister Mark Carney’s emphasis on getting major projects built.

Instead, we are being told that provincial investments are being shelved, delayed or “re-paced,” in some cases for many years. These decisions are extremely difficult for businesses to plan around and are contributing to job losses and significant pressure on companies throughout the sector. A five-year project delay can effectively amount to a cancelled project for companies that have competed for these opportunities and invested millions of dollars in resources and time preparing to deliver them.

It is also difficult to reconcile BC’s significant budget deficit with the absence of the kind of robust, long-term infrastructure plan we are seeing advanced elsewhere in Canada. At a time when BC needs economic growth and greater confidence, capital investment in our built environment should be an important part of the response.

From long-term care homes and health infrastructure to the vital transportation links BC can and should be building, the provincial government needs to respond to the seriousness of the current economic environment with urgency. The recent decision to pause the planned tax on professional services is welcome news, but BCCA continues to believe the tax should be cancelled rather than simply delayed.

Rather than calling an election, the BC Government should be preparing for a productive legislative session, bringing forward investment announcements and legislation that respond to the pressures facing the construction industry. Government should give industry confidence that badly needed capital investments are moving forward and provide a clear roadmap for provincial infrastructure investment over the next five years.

Given these circumstances, BCCA does not see a compelling rationale for another election at this time. An election would introduce another period of uncertainty when businesses, workers and communities are looking for greater stability and clarity. Before asking British Columbians for another mandate, the government has an opportunity to demonstrate that it understands these concerns and is prepared to act on them.

Premier Eby, now is not the time for an election. Your government has a majority mandate, and the construction sector and British Columbians expect government to remain focused on the work in front of it, particularly during a period of economic uncertainty.

The months ahead are critical. Let’s roll up our sleeves, get to work and collaborate on a path forward that gives industry the confidence to invest, build and create jobs across British Columbia.