The Government of Canada has announced a 25% tariff on a range of American goods in response to recent U.S. trade measures. These countermeasures, effective March 4, 2025, will significantly impact construction materials and equipment imported from the United States. This a first step by the Federal Government with and further tariffs planned on an additional $125 billion in goods.
 
Click here for a full list of American goods subject to Canadian tariffs.
 
Key Construction-Related Items Subject to Canadia Import Tariffs

• HS Code 4408 – Veneer sheets and wood sheets for plywood or other wood products
• HS Code 4418 – Builders’ joinery and carpentry of wood (doors, windows, and their frames)
• HS Code 8418 – Refrigerators, freezers, and heat pumps
• HS Code 8516 – Electrical water heaters and space heaters
• HS Code 8205 – Hand tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches
• HS Code 8302 – Metal fittings for buildings (hinges, locks, brackets, and other mountings)

 
What This Means for Your Business:

1. Increased Costs: Expect higher prices for U.S.-sourced materials.
2. Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in availability of key construction inputs.
3. Alternative Sourcing Needed: Canadian and other international suppliers may become more viable.

The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is closely monitoring developments and engaging with stakeholders to assess the impact on Manitoba’s construction industry. We encourage members to review procurement strategies and explore domestic sourcing options.

Government of Canada Next Steps
The Federal Government intends to impose additional countermeasures on an additional $125Bn on imports from U.S. Click here for the list of proposed goods, which includes steel, aluminum and construction vehicles and machinery.

Government of Manitoba planned steps
Manitoba premier Wab Kinew has signaled the provincial government will be rolling out measures to both counter American tariffs and assist Manitoba businesses affected by them.

This is a quickly evolving policy situation and we will keep WCA members informed. Watch this space as well as our LinkedIn page for relevant information as it becomes available.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the February 21 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes, including updates on Prompt Payment Progress and Trump’s Tariffs, with the February 7 edition of The WCA Newsletter here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with The WCA Newsletter for January 24, now available here.

WINNIPEG , January 21, 2025 – The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is pleased to welcome the City of Winnipeg’s first ever Chief Construction Officer, Tom Sparrow, to his new position. Sparrow was unanimously recommended by a City Council search committee.

The creation of the Chief Construction Officer (CCO) position was initially announced during Mayor Scott Gillingham’s campaign, and WCA is happy to see this promise become a reality.

“Hiring a Chief Construction Officer will help make sure the projects our members build will get done on time and on budget – which is something both contractors and the City of Winnipeg want to achieve,” said Ron Hambley, WCA president. “It should help the industry be more efficient.”

According to a news release earlier today from the City, Mr. Sparrow brings more than 35 years of experience in construction and infrastructure management across both the public and private sectors to the role. He has led major projects including hospitals, schools, airports, and data centres across British Columbia and Yukon, with project values ranging from tens of millions to over a billion dollars.

Mayor Gillingham has previously said the key goals of the CCO are: Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Thinking, Cost Management, Centralized Oversight and Reporting, Acting as an Industry Liaison and Strengthening Intergovernmental Relations.

“These goals are in line with what the industry would like to see from government,” said Hambley. “We look forward to working with the Mr. Sparrow, and our members are always passionate about giving Winnipeggers and Manitobans new high-quality of life buildings to live, work, heal and play in”.

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Media Contact: Darryl Harrison, Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

darryl@winnipegconstruction.ca, 204-775-8664 ext: 2249

The Winnipeg Construction Association is an incorporated, not-for-profit trade association representing commercial contractors and suppliers throughout Manitoba. We currently have over 700 member firms, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the first 2025 issue of The WCA Newsletter, now available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the December 6 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available now here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with The WCA Newsletter for November 8, now available here.

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If you have a winning ticket, send us an email at wca@winnipegconstruction.ca to claim your prize.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the October 25 edition of The WCA Newsletter, now available here.