Leveraging opportunity at home – the case for Canadian economic reform

Advocacy Bulletin – February 5, 2025

Supply-Build Canada, formerly the Western Retail Lumber Association, is leading a stronger building materials industry through education, workforce development, member partnerships, and government advocacy. With over 135 years of history as an association, and deep roots in Western Canada, our members manufacture, distribute, and sell every material necessary to build Canada’s homes and businesses. We are the largest building supply association in Canada, representing more than 1,300 retail stores employing 27,000 staff and generating $7.2 billion in sales in 2019 across the prairie provinces alone.

We are cautiously optimistic regarding the 30-day tariff reprieve announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump. However, we remain concerned with the mere threat of a 25% tariff on most Canadian exports to the United States. In addition to this, we also have concern with the threat of retaliatory tariffs which would place additional strain on Canadian importers and ultimately consumers. A trade war is in no one’s interest. This current dispute is emphasizing the need for the federal and provincial governments to make strategic changes to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the Canadian economy.

During this period of disruption and uncertainty, Supply-Build Canada recommends the following measures:

1. It is imperative that the Parliament of Canada be seized with these matters and we believe that prorogation should end, and Members of Parliament of all parties should be back to work in Ottawa. This is necessary to ensure a robust, strong and focused response to the US tariff threat, and to ensure the long-term economic prosperity of Canada.
2. Regulatory and legislative reform aimed at reducing red tape, and eliminating bureaucratic roadblocks, such as streamlined building codes and municipal zoning rules. Supply-Build Canada members have countless stories of bureaucratic hoops that hamper investment and growth. We could build more desperately needed homes at a reduced cost if rules were reduced and simplified. 
3. Eliminating barriers to internal trade to increase economic activity and trade within Canada. Despite years of federal and provincial governments pledging to reduce these barriers, they persist and undermine Canadian economic potential. 
4. While it remains an obvious goal that the threat of tariffs with the United States be eliminated, this chaotic period has heightened the need for Canadian businesses to seek out additional global trading partners, to minimize our dependence on the US market. While economic integration between Canada and the United States has been increasing for nearly 90 years, the new period of disruption in the North American partnership demands market diversification.
5. An immediate elimination of the carbon tax. Now, more than ever, this tax is an impediment to affordability, by driving up the cost of goods that Canadians need.
6. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises is vitally important to the Canadian economy. Canadians have the choice to use their dollars to help local businesses, and the time to demonstrate that is now. As noted by Statistics Canada, “In 2020, SMEs accounted for nearly half of the GDP generated by the private sector. Small businesses contributed 35.1% to GDP generated by the private sector, while the contribution of medium-sized businesses was 13.4%.” They are the backbone of the Canadian economy and we can be discerning in our choices to ensure that we are supporting them. 
7. Industry consultation is absolutely essential. We implore the federal and provincial governments to have the job creators at the table, so that on-the-ground realities are understood and reflected in government policy.

Supply-Build Canada is leading a stronger building materials industry through education, workforce development, member partnerships, and government advocacy. With over 135 years of history as an association, and deep roots in Western Canada, our members manufacture, distribute, and sell every material necessary to build Canada’s homes and businesses.