Digging In

What are the biggest Canadian construction stories of the week? Don't get up. We have it all sorted for you. Here are the headlines you should be tracking: The Pacific Link pipeline has been designated a project of national interest.  LNG Canada moves to Phase 2. EllisDon snags a massive EV contract.  Saskatchewan reveals its epic nuclear ambitions.  Survey says: prefabrication and modular building are soaring. 

It was a historic week for Canadian construction. Here are the headlines we dug into for this pod: Ottawa has tabled the Building Canada Strong Act and we broke down the top three things the industry needs to know. Diesel prices are spiking, adding costs to jobs and creating a new target for thieves. U.S. Lumber tariffs could have a silver lining for Canadian homebuilders, CMHC economists say. All aboard! Two transit mega-projects in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are on track with huge milestones. Bonus story: Google is shooting for the stars (literally) when it comes to data centre construction.

Here's what stories we are chasing down this week: Carney is inviting the world's capital to invest in Canadian projects. The new 'Mega Productivity' tax deduction aims to sweet then deal. Another piece of the puzzle is streamlining environmental approvals for certain projects. New data shows Canada's construction productivity has stagnated (and how we can fix it).  Finally, we detail a major Nuclear project story that has just begun taking shape in Ontario.

Here are the biggest construction headlines we were chasing down last week: 40 Under 40 Industrial Leaders winners have been revealed! Massive capital is opening up for the industrial sector to increase Canada's resilience. The nation's biggest GCs are running a campaign on mental health. A massive carbon capture project just got underway. CMHC is sounding the alarm on housing starts. 

Sometimes construction hurts. This week we had a deep conversation with James Boseley of Pain BC about the hidden reality of chronic pain in the trades, how workers are often taught to ignore injuries and "tough it out," and why that silence can lead to worsening physical and mental health. James shares his own experience with severe, long-ignored injuries, the stigma around pain in industrial work, and the importance of self-advocacy, documentation, and having the right support systems. The conversation also highlights the hope he sees in newer pain education, text-based support, counseling, and other resources that are finally making it easier for tradespeople to get help without shame.  Here are some resources if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self harm:  Crisis Centre BC https://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-support/crisis-lines/  Family violence helplines and services https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html  If you are having immediate thoughts of self harm or suicide, dial 9-8-8. Contact James directly here: [email protected]