SURREY, B.C. – The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), Canada’s largest construction association, announced today its endorsement of Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada in the next federal election. ICBA’s endorsement reflects an urgent call for a renewed focus on economic prosperity, reining in the rampant expansion of government, and a return to Canada’s proud legacy as a nation of builders.
“Canada feels broken, and the frustration is palpable in every community,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA President and CEO. “Inflation is hurting families, housing remains unaffordable, and our standard of living is in decline – Canadians deserve a Prime Minister who will take bold, practical steps to address these challenges. Pierre Poilievre is that leader, and his commitment to reducing red tape, increasing housing supply, and making paycheques go further is exactly what this country needs.”
The ICBA Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse Poilievre and the Conservatives, citing the Trudeau government’s track record of investors abandoning Canada, businesses struggling to grow, and economic stagnation. Since 2015, overregulation, skyrocketing taxes and slow project approvals and permitting have crippled construction, leaving Canada’s builders unable to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Meanwhile, 15 of 18 Canadian manufacturing industries have shrunk, wages remain lower than in every U.S. state, and innovation and productivity in Canada continues to lag its global peers.
“Canada once built world-class infrastructure with speed and purpose, but today, every project is over budget and years behind schedule,” said Gardner. “We are building the same number of homes today as we did in 1972, despite adding a population the size of Calgary each of the past two years. Pierre Poilievre understands that we need to streamline approvals, reduce red tape, cut unnecessary costs, and unleash the power of Canada’s workers and entrepreneurs.”
The endorsement makes ICBA the first trade association or business organization in Canada to endorse Poilievre and his team.
“We’re proud to be the first trade association in Canada to formally endorse Pierre Poilievre and the common-sense Conservatives,” said Gardner. “The challenges flowing from the out-of-control growth of government, the affordability crisis in housing, the inability to build major projects, and the declining standard of living for hardworking Canadians, demands bold leadership and decisive action.”
Poilievre’s vision includes bold steps to address the affordability crisis, unleash Canada’s energy sector, and reduce the burdens of excessive government expansion. His focus on supporting initiative, innovation and building stronger communities will help ensure that Canada regains its competitive edge.
“Construction workers and entrepreneurs are the backbone of this country,” Gardner said. “Pierre Poilievre has the common-sense plan to fix what’s broken and restore Canada’s promise for the next generation. ICBA is proud to endorse him to be the next Prime Minister of Canada.”
For more on ICBA’s decision to endorse the Poilievre Conservatives, click HERE to read an op-ed by ICBA President Chris Gardner.
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The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is the largest construction association in Canada. ICBA represents more than 4,500 members and clients, with chapters in B.C. and Alberta. ICBA is one of the leading independent providers of group health and retirement benefits in Canada, supporting more than 300,000 Canadians, and the single largest sponsor of trades apprentices in B.C. www.icba.ca and www.icbaalberta.ca
