The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) serves as the voice of the construction industry in Canada, representing over 20,000 member firms. CCA's mission is to support the industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration, promoting innovation and sustainable practices while addressing the challenges facing construction professionals nationwide.
Held annually, this year from March 9th to 14th, the CCA Conference gathers industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to discuss current issues, share best practices, and build valuable connections. The 2025 edition, hosted in Québec City, proved once again to be a remarkable event, filled with insightful discussions and impactful announcements. Here are Pomerleau highlights of this conference and where our experts shined.
Embracing Innovation with Sean Boyer – March 13th
The day started with a dynamic session titled “The Innovator’s Pitch,” where Sean Boyer, Vice-President of Preconstruction at Pomerleau, delivered an engaging introductory speech. During this session, three rising stars from the CONtact mentorship program, a program that accelerates the adoption of new solutions to improve productivity, safety, and profitability, while contributing to sustainable communities, introduced their construction innovations during this pitch contest, with Sean Boyer as one of the jury members. Sean highlighted the critical role of innovation in the construction industry, emphasizing that embracing new ideas is not just beneficial but essential for progress.
"Our industry, while deeply rooted in tradition, must embrace fresh ideas and new ways of working," Sean stated. "Innovation is a necessity, not just an advantage."
Sean's message resonated with many, particularly as the industry faces a pressing need for 300,000 new workers by 2030. His vision of making construction an attractive career through innovative practices was a key takeaway from the morning.
Sustainability at the Forefront with Genevieve Roy – March 13th
Later that morning, from 11:30 to 12:30, Genevieve Roy, Environmental & Sustainable Development VP at Pomerleau, participated in the panel titled “Turning Policy into Practice: Adapting to Government Strategies for Sustainable Infrastructure.” Genevieve spoke passionately about Pomerleau’s commitment to sustainability and their goal of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050.
"We are actively working to reduce GHG emissions on our sites, especially through temporary heating solutions," Genevieve explained. "Our recent initiatives have already made a significant impact, proving that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand."
Genevieve proudly acknowledged her happiness at seeing the environment panel composed entirely of women, a first in her many years in the industry. The session highlighted the importance of collaboration between private companies, government bodies, and communities to make sustainable infrastructure a reality.
Celebrating Women in Construction with Sophie Morin – March 14th
Friday afternoon, from 13:30 to 15:00, attendees gathered for the “Celebrating Women in Construction” fireside chat. Sophie Morin, EVP and Chief Legal Officer at Pomerleau, shared her journey from a legal firm to a construction company, reflecting on gender dynamics in these traditionally male-dominated fields.
"Personally, being a woman didn't hold me back," Sophie stated. "However, I am aware that my experience is not universal, and it's essential to create opportunities and open doors for other women."
Sophie emphasized the importance of balancing professional and personal ambitions, calling for more role models who demonstrate this balance. She also urged women to stop apologizing for their ambitions, challenging double standards and promoting authenticity in the workplace.
Leadership Recognition of Daniel Lessard
At the same time as the Annual Conference, it was announced that Daniel Lessard, Chief Operating Officer, Civil and Infrastructure at Pomerleau, had been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Construction Association. Daniel expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of collective action within the industry.
"Being part of the CCA is an honor," Daniel stated. "It's crucial that we come together as an industry to tackle current and future challenges, from infrastructure needs to climate adaptation."
A Unified Vision for the Future
The 2025 Canadian Construction Association Conference once again proved to be an invaluable event for the industry. With inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and a strong sense of community, it highlighted the collective ambition to drive change and progress. Pomerleau remains committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and diversity within the construction landscape, exemplifying the leadership needed to shape the industry's future