Connecting with Canada’s Construction Elite | Lessons from a Week of Networking, Conferences & Seminars
Posted by Steve Thomas , Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada on Friday, November 7, 2025
Even after over 25 years in international construction recruitment, I still enjoy dedicating time to business development in construction, meeting new clients, and expanding our global construction recruitment network. Having done this many times across the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, Vancouver, and most recently again in Toronto, Canada, it struck me, as it always does, that Canada and Canada’s construction industry is quite special.
Friendly People in the Canadian Construction Industry
In my experience, Canadian construction professionals are every bit as friendly as people say. Maybe this was amplified by my visit coinciding with the excitement of the Toronto Blue Jays nearly winning the World Series! From excellent service in restaurants to civility at business networking events, Canada’s construction sector reflects the warmth and professionalism the country is known for.
Well-Organised Construction Conferences and BD Events
My business development (BD) focus in Toronto this time aligned perfectly with the annual Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships Conference. This two-day event attracts senior professionals working on major Canadian construction projects from across the country.
Despite Canada’s shift away from traditional P3 (Public-Private Partnership) delivery methods towards more collaborative construction models; such as Alliance Contracting, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Early Contractor Involvement, and Progressive Design & Build, the CCPPP Conference remains one of the most important events for senior management in construction. It continues to be a hub for networking, recruitment, and business development opportunities within Canada’s growing infrastructure and construction markets.
In addition to the main event, there are numerous after-parties and networking receptions, ideal for meeting construction employers and decision-makers in Canada. It takes some discipline to leave the free bar early enough to stay sharp for the next day’s sessions!
Senior Construction Professionals Show Up
A standout feature of the Canadian construction industry is that senior leaders truly engage. I enjoyed conversations with executives from Metrolinx, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and Infrastructure Ontario (IO), all critical players in major infrastructure development in Canada.
Where these organisations lead, Canada’s top contractors, consultants, and construction supply chain partners follow. The mix of local Canadian talent and international construction professionals creates a dynamic and diverse environment that makes networking both interesting and productive.
The UK and Canada’s Strong Construction Relationship
It’s always a pleasure to experience first-hand the close professional relationship between the UK and Canadian construction industries. Historically, the two share similar construction methods and standards, but Canada is also open to innovation, collaboration, and international best practices where they add value.
At Maxim Recruitment, we have many construction jobs in Canada listed here. Some roles require specific Canadian experience or qualifications such as the PEng engineering chartership, while others welcome UK or international construction professionals with transferable skills and global project expertise.
Encouragingly, the Canada–UK trade relationship continues to grow, with work visa routes becoming more efficient and supportive of construction recruitment between the two nations. During my BD trip, I also met representatives from the British Deputy High Commission, the UK Department for Business & Trade, and other government bodies working to strengthen construction trade and talent mobility between Canada and the UK.
Canadian Construction Employers Follow Through
For both job seekers and construction employers, it’s worth noting that Canadian construction companies are remarkably reliable and follow through on their commitments. When senior managers in Canada discuss hiring strategies or project plans with us, they usually mean it.
The visibility of projects and hiring needs in Canada is among the clearest that Maxim Recruitment has seen in over 22 years. This transparency allows construction professionals to research employers confidently and build long-term, rewarding careers in Canada.
Canada | A Great Place to Work and Build Your Construction Career
In conclusion, my construction business development trip to Toronto was both productive and enjoyable. I forged new relationships, strengthened existing ones, and gained fresh insights into how the Canadian construction industry is evolving from P3 models to collaborative delivery approaches.
Canada continues to offer exceptional career opportunities for construction professionals, and for us at Maxim Recruitment, growing our business there feels more like a passion than just a job.
Shame the Blue Jays didn’t win that final match but maybe next time!
Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.