Construction Chaos or Opportunity? Why Tariffs Are Reshaping the Industry—and How to Respond 

The Wake-Up Call: Tariffs Are No Longer a Policy Issue—They’re a Project Delivery Issue 

If you’re in construction, you’ve likely been asking the same question we tackled in our recent webinar: What now? 

With new tariffs taking effect and Canadian countermeasures ramping up, builders are navigating a perfect storm of uncertainty. Whether it’s fluctuating material costs, contract escalation risks, or sourcing delays, the impact on project delivery is real—and immediate. 

In our on-demand session, “Beyond Tariffs: Strengthening Your Construction Business,” we partnered with VRCA’s Craig Larkins and showcased how cloud ERP solutions like Acumatica Construction Edition are helping companies adapt quickly. Here’s a recap of what you missed. 

Tariff Update: What the April 2025 Announcements Really Mean 

Craig Larkins, Director of Advocacy at VRCA, kicked off the session by breaking down the latest moves by both the U.S. and Canadian governments*: 

• 25% U.S. tariff on vehicle imports (including Canadian vehicles) is now live 

• Steel and aluminum tariffs remain, despite exemptions in other sectors 

• Canada’s countermeasures, in effect since March, are staying put and may expand 

For BC contractors, that means project costs are rising fast—and bids submitted even a few weeks ago may already be outdated. 

“Uncertainty is the word of the day,” Craig said. “We’re advising members to assess exposure and revisit their contracts.” 

*Note: This session was hosted on April 3, 2025. For the latest updates on Canadian construction tariffs and industry developments, please visit Government of Canada: Tariffs, Rules, and Regulations 

Where You’re Most Exposed: Construction’s Top 40 Tariff-Sensitive Materials 

Not all materials are equally at risk. Using data from the Canadian Construction Association and Statistics Canada, the webinar highlighted high-dependency materials including: 

• Electrical components and metal goods 

• Flooring, carpets, and lighting fixtures 

• Specialty tools and manufactured inputs 

Now’s the time to revisit sourcing strategies, diversify your supply chain, and build more flexibility into your procurement timelines. 

Contracts Under Pressure: Legal Clauses You Can’t Afford to Miss

With prices shifting fast, the contract becomes your first line of defense—or your biggest liability. Craig emphasized: 

• Review clauses tied to duty surcharges, escalation, and cost recovery 

• Understand industry-standard contracts like CCDC 2 and GC 10.1 

• Don’t underestimate the power of paper trails—every receipt matters 

“The person with the most paperwork wins,” added Darren Redies, COO of The Answer Company. “The tech exists to make that documentation seamless—if you’ve got the right system.”