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VANCOUVER – Two British Columbia construction stakeholders are urging the next provincial government to create a minister of construction given the industry’s importance to the B.C. economy.

B.C. goes to the polls in October and both the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) and Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) are trying to turn the spotlight on construction via their proposal, a VRCA release said.

“Construction isn’t just about buildings. It’s about communities, infrastructure and the future of this province. We need a minister who will ensure our industry gets the voice and attention it deserves. It’s time we had someone in charge of this vital, economy driving, entrepreneurial industry,” VRCA president Jeannine Martin said.

“BCCA has been calling upon the government to create a Ministry of Construction since 2019. Given the importance of B.C.’s construction industry, not to mention its size, complexity and impact on communities across the province, we remain steadfast in asking for this commitment,” BCCA President Chris Atchison added.

The associations see the new minister as “the ultimate project manager who can cut through the red tape and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more efficient construction process in B.C.,” the release said.

Issues highlighted by the associations include introducing prompt payment legislation, reducing permit complexity and addressing an ongoing skilled labour shortage.

The Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) and the Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) also support the minister of construction proposal, the release said.

A draft mandate letter for the minister of construction role created by the VRCA and BCCA is .