Our conference program offers a visionary agenda designed to address the evolving landscape of the construction industry. From engaging keynote speakers and interactive roundtables to insightful panel discussions and networking sessions, each element is crafted to provide you with cutting-edge knowledge and invaluable connections. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that will drive the future of construction.
*Conference session titles, times, and speakers are subject to change.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
PRE-CONFERENCE DAY 1 (separate registration required)
14:00 – 16:00 | CCA Board of Directors meeting
(closed meeting)
18:00 – 21:00 | CCA Board and NAC dinner
(closed meeting)
Monday, March 10, 2025
PRE-CONFERENCE DAY 2 (separate registration required)
8:00 – 8 :30 | CCA Chair breakfast
8:30 – 10:30 | CCA strategic planning session
(open to all members)
10:45 – 12:30 | National Advisory Council meetings
12:30 – 13:00 | NAC report out and buffet lunch
13:30 – 14:30 | CCA Annual General Meeting
14:30 – 15:15 | Chair reception
15:15 – 16:45 | New Board meeting
(closed meeting)
Conference day 1 – Tuesday, March 11, 2025
7:30 – 15:30 | Ski at Mont-Sainte-Anne
(Pre-registration mandatory, surcharges will apply. Available to registered delegates only.)
14:00 – 16:00 | Free time
16:00 – 17:00 | Happy Hour at Le Cellier
Conference day 2 – Wednesday, March 12, 2025
8:00 – 9:30 | Opening keynote by Chantal Hébert with breakfast at Salle de Bal
9:45 – 10:45 | Breakout session A
Fortifying Canada: The role of construction in disaster resilient infrastructure and emergency response
Learn about cutting-edge approaches to designing disaster-resilient infrastructure and the role of the construction industry in emergency response. This session will feature best practices and case studies from around the world, including industry contributions to disaster preparedness.
Location: Frontenac
9:45 – 10:45 | Breakout session B
Modern contracting and procurement
This session will offer you a fresh perspective on the latest trends and their impact on procurement and project delivery. Gain practical insights into modern contracting practices and discover how all project parties can foster fairness and efficiency in the procurement process.
Location: Bellevue
11:00 – 12:00 | Breakout session A
Building Canada’s gateway to the world: The future of trade-enabling infrastructure
Canada’s ambition to diversify its trade partnerships demands world-class infrastructure and logistics, and Canada’s construction sector plays a pivotal role in building trade enabling infrastructure that supports global market access. This panel will examine the current state of trade infrastructure, supply chain logistics, and the need for long-term funding commitments.
11:00 – 12:00 | Breakout session B
Enhancing workforce culture and retention through inclusivity: Stories, strategies, and solutions
Engage in a lively discussion about improving workforce culture and retention in the construction industry, with a particular focus on inclusivity, retention strategies, and the experiences of both new and seasoned workers. learn best practices for creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women and minorities in construction.
Location: Bellevue
12:15 – 13:15 | CEO power lunch: Navigating trends, opportunities, and growth in a shifting market at Salle de Bal
Join top executives as they explore emerging business trends, dynamic market shifts, and strategic growth in a rapidly changing global market. Stay head of the curve with insights that will drive your company’s success.
13:30 – 14:30 | Breakout session A
Building in the void: Governance challenges, risks facing Canada’s construction future
This session explores the pressing governance issues that undermine the development of critical residential planning and infrastructure in Canada. The presentation will delve into how politicalization, lack of long-term planning, questionable leadership, and the systematic misuse of resources expose the construction industry to significant risks. While construction remains a key partner in nation-building, it is increasingly vulnerable to the failures of public governance. This discussion will highlight the implications for the industry and the broader economy, urging a re-evaluation of how residential and infrastructure planning can be shielded from politicalization and planning volatility.
Location: Frontenac
13:30 – 15:00 | Best practices COO roundtable at Jacques Cartier
(by invitation only)
Conference day 3 – Thursday, March 13, 2025
8:00 – 10:00 | CONTACT Innovator’s Pitch breakfast at Salle de Bal
Step into the future of construction at the CONtact Innovator’s Pitch, where three rising stars from the CONtact mentorship program unveil their groundbreaking innovations. Witness cutting-edge solutions poised to revolutionize the industry. Engage with these exciting developments and vote for the most promising innovation. Be part of shaping the next big breakthrough in construction and see how these visionary ideas could redefine the field.
10:15 – 11:15 | Breakout session A
Navigating immigration and workforce policies in Canada
Immigration has been a hot-button topic in Canadian policy, especially in relation to the ongoing housing crisis. Join us for an insightful panel discussion with perspectives from immigration experts to learn from those centred in this topical discussion about recent immigration changes and its effect on the construction sector. Gain insight on how recent trends in workforce immigration, to workforce retention and integration, immigration capacity relative to economy and infrastructure, navigating the express entry system, and more.
Location: Frontenac
10:15 – 11:15 | Breakout session B
Adopting a new mindset, skillset, and toolset for AI in construction
As AI advances, its impact on the construction sector is growing significantly. It is driving improvements in efficiency, safety, and innovation, but fully leveraging its potential also demands the appropriate mindset and skillset.
Location: Bellevue
11:30 – 12:30 | Breakout session A
Turning policy into practice: Adapting to government strategies for sustainable infrastructure
Explore how government policies are transforming the future of construction. From decarbonization and building codes to compliance regulations and reporting, this session will provide practical insights from industry leaders and policy experts on what is needed for policy mandates to turn into tangible outcomes for a sustainable future.
Location: Frontenac
11:30 – 12:30 | Breakout session B
CCDC Roadmap: Exciting new documents and important changes on the horizon
The CCDC committee has been busy! Join us for an in-depth look at CCDC’s activities and be one of the first to learn about upcoming documents before they hit the industry. Gain insight into important changes, new documents (including a progressive design-build contract), electronic seals, Québec Civil Code contracts, and more!
Location: Bellevue
18:00 | Past Chair dinner
(by invitation only)
Conference day 4 – Friday, March 14, 2025
8:00 – 9:30 | CCA National Awards breakfast at Salle de Bal
Start your morning with a celebration of our industry as we recognize exceptional individuals, achievements in innovation, sustainability, safety, Gold Seal, workplace development, bettering communities, and, of course, the work done by partner associations on behalf of you, the members.
9:30 – 9:45 | Break
Sponsored by
9:45 – 10:45 | Breakout session A
Building beyond four walls: The overlooked costs of Canada’s housing crisis
Meeting Canada’s housing goals requires more than just building new homes—it demands smart planning and investment in the public infrastructure that will support more people and more houses. Engage with thought leaders and contribute to solutions for one of the most pressing issues facing communities today.
Location: Frontenac
9:45 – 10:45 | Breakout session B
Building blocks of innovation: Measuring progress in Canadian construction
Keep pace with the digital transformation in the construction industry as we share the preliminary results of the CCA and KPMG Canada survey on:
- The rate and focus areas for digital adoption and innovation in the construction industry
- Understanding the drivers for change and hurdles facing the industry
- Discussion of new technologies and use cases to improve project outcomes.
Location: Bellevue
10:45 – 11:00 | Break
Sponsored by
11:00 – 12:00 | Breakout session A
Turbulence ahead: Strategic planning for industry resilience during political change
As Canada approaches a 2025 federal election, it’s crucial for industries and associations to prepare for possible disruptions. This session will provide a comprehensive guide to proactive electoral readiness and strategies for election-proofing your organization. Our experts will share insights on anticipating policy changes, engaging with new political leaders, and developing resilient strategies to navigate the uncertainties of an election year.
Location: Frontenac
12:15 – 13:15 | Economic Outlook lunch at Salle de Bal
Economic outlook for construction
As Canada enters a pivotal economic period and global dynamics continue to shift, understanding the path ahead is critical for the construction industry. In this session, join us as we provide a strategic overview of Canada’s economic outlook for 2025, unpack the potential implications of the U.S. elections for Canadian markets, and discuss the macroeconomic trends shaping the construction sector. Gain actionable insights to anticipate challenges, adapt to change, and position your organization for success in the year ahead.
13:30 – 15:00 | Reception and Fireside Chat at Bellevue and Salon Rose
Celebrating women in construction fireside chat and reception
Join us for an inspiring session celebrating the incredible achievements of women in construction! The event kicks off with a 45-minute fireside chat featuring prominent leaders in the industry, where they’ll share their journeys, challenges, and insights on breaking barriers and driving change in the construction field. Following the conversation, we’ll host a 45-minute reception, offering a chance for attendees to network, connect, and continue the conversation in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the powerful impact of women in construction and connect with like-minded professionals!