Advocacy

ECABC is the only dedicated advocacy voice for British Columbia’s electrical construction sector. Government relations is a core service and priority for the Association. We work on behalf of our members – contractors and sector suppliers – to support a strong operating business environment and create opportunities for the industry.

ECABC takes a multi-faceted approach, balancing collaboration and leadership, to advocating with all levels of government, public entities such Crown Corporations, and regulators. The Association works alongside other construction sector and business associations on topics which are cross-sectoral in nature – taxation, public infrastructure investment, employer concerns, and more.

There are also issues that are top priorities or unique to the electrical industry where we put focused effort and resources.

Prompt payment creates financial security for workers and their families, stability for employers, and a healthy business environment that discourages unfair, harmful practices and predatory payment timelines.

Introduced in the BC Legislature on October 7, 2025, the Construction Prompt Payment Act has received Royal Assent but has not yet come into force. The Province is currently consulting with industry stakeholders on regulations and an adjudication framework to support implementation.

British Columbia is experiencing a dramatic need for more homes and healthcare infrastructure, while simultaneously managing an unprecedented clean energy transition to reduce the effects of climate change. The work of electrical contractors and line utility contractors – and the skilled tradespeople they employ – is essential to building more housing, new hospitals and care facilities, and new power generation and transmission infrastructure.

The BC Government committed in November 2025 to spending an additional $241 million over three years on skilled trades training. The province’s 2026 Budget included $54 million in new funding, with a commitment to additional increases the next two years. ECABC is committed to working with members, the government and SkilledTradesBC to ensure the funding is deployed efficiency and results in more completions of Red Seal Electricians and powerline technicians in BC.

• There are a shortage of electricians and powerline technicians in British Columbia, which jeopardizes our ability to build the essential infrastructure our communities need.
• BC needs to be able to train more electrical apprentices every year. New funding is needed across public, private and union training facilities to increase capacity.
• The completion rate for electrical apprentices to obtain journeyperson status, while improving, is not high enough. Targeted investment in supporting apprentices will improve completion rates.
• Industry, labour and the province should work together to attract more people to the electrical trades through awareness campaigns that highlight the economic benefits of being an electrician/powerline tech to students and parents.