This article examines what the proposed Canadian-content commitment could change in public infrastructure purchasing and what remains to be decided.
A policy commitment with direct project implications
David Eby and the BC NDP have committed to introducing “Built in B.C. and Canada” procurement rules for public infrastructure projects, according to a statement issued by Scott Lunny, Western Canada Director of the United Steelworkers. The announcement would make the origin of construction materials a consideration in public purchasing, rather than leaving every project to an unrestricted materials choice. The source specifically links the commitment to Canadian steel for the North Coast Transmission Line and to directions for BC Hydro’s tower construction. The commitment is policy direction at this stage; the source does not set out final rules, tender documents or an implementation timetable.
How the proposed preference would work
A domestic-content rule can be applied through the requirements attached to a public infrastructure project. In this case, the stated approach is to direct a public owner, BC Hydro, to use Canadian steel for specified transmission-line towers. The source says 70% of Phase 1 towers and 100% of Phase 2 towers would be built with Canadian steel. For bidders, that kind of requirement can affect the materials proposed, the suppliers able to participate and the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance. The announcement also refers more broadly to buying Canadian steel, wood, aluminum and other materials, but it does not define the detailed qualification or evaluation process.
The wider labour conditions remain a separate request
Lunny welcomed the material-sourcing commitment but said the United Steelworkers wants procurement to go further. The union is calling for public contracts to give preference to unionized workplaces and to include prevailing-wage requirements, alongside expectations for fair wages, benefits and high safety standards. Those proposals concern the labour conditions attached to a contract, whereas the “Built in B.C. and Canada” commitment concerns where materials are produced or bought. The source records the union’s position, not an adopted requirement. It also does not say that union status or prevailing wages will be part of the new rules.
Why the change matters for competition
The proposed approach illustrates how governments can use purchasing conditions to pursue industrial and employment goals while delivering infrastructure. A rule favouring Canadian inputs may give domestic producers a defined role in publicly funded projects, but its practical effect will depend on the final scope, the projects covered and how compliance is tested. Those details also matter to competition: bidders will need a clear understanding of eligible materials and any applicable evidence requirements, while public buyers will need requirements that can be applied consistently. The source announces the commitment and its initial tower targets, but provides no further procurement design.
IN NUMBERS
The announcement marks a significant proposed change in how public infrastructure materials may be specified and purchased in British Columbia. Its immediate, stated examples are Canadian steel for the North Coast Transmission Line and BC Hydro tower targets of 70% in Phase 1 and 100% in Phase 2. The final effect on suppliers, contractors and workers will depend on the rules and contract requirements that follow.
Reported from financialpost.com, 2026-09-24. The Tender Wire is published by Otnox.
