Workforce

Action needed

A national workforce strategy is needed where all levels of government and industry work together to develop an inclusive workforce strategy showcasing the diverse career opportunities available to youth, women, Indigenous and new Canadians in all fields, including science, technology, engineering and math.

Background

• In many ways, Construction is the backbone of the Canadian economy. It employs 1.4 million Canadians and accounts for 7.5 per cent of Canada’s GDP.
• The industry is facing a serious workforce shortage. About 21 per cent workers are set to retire over the next decade and the industry is struggling to attract the next generation of workers.
• A diverse, inclusive and tech-savvy workforce is a priority for the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). The need for workers is strong, and Canada needs a larger supply of qualified people to fill these roles.
• CCA is focused on securing the right skills for the industry, now and in the future, by:
  • Encouraging the next generation of workers to choose a career in construction
  • Influencing the policy landscape to ensure governments address the labour shortage
  • Promoting policies and programs that present the industry as a viable and inclusive employment sector for all Canadians from all fields, including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
  • Talent Fits Here, a national public awareness campaign, is being launched by CCA to re‑position the image of the industry as an inclusive sector with opportunities for career growth.  is essential to address the workforce shortage.

CCA message

• Research is needed into perceptions of what a career in construction means for youth, Indigenous groups, women, new Canadians, and other under‑represented groups. A national strategy to re‑position the image of the industry as an inclusive sector with opportunities for career growth is essential to address the workforce shortage.
• CCA is asking that the government work with industry to develop an inclusive workforce strategy rather than on creating legislation that may expose projects to political interference and costly delays.
• Social procurement requirements, in the form of community benefits, have the potential to threaten the fair and competitive bidding process on federal government contracts and tenders.
  • The focus should be on working with industry to develop an inclusive workforce strategy rather than on creating legislation that may not consider industry needs and capacities as well as the demographics of a region.
• The demand for labour is strong and more needs to be done to boost the supply of qualified workers. Federal funding of CCA’s student work-integrated learning program (SWILP) request to place students from across Canada in construction-related work terms would provide youth valuable experience and expose them to various career opportunities. Continued funding for apprenticeship programs will strengthen the pool of skilled labour.