The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is sounding the alarm about the urgent need for workers in construction through a new campaign, Rebuild Canada’s workforce NOW.
Canada is facing its most severe labour shortage in over 50 years – nearly 1 million jobs are unfilled. The situation is especially acute for the construction sector – we have over 81,000 openings now.
The federal government has an ambitious growth plan – one that includes repairing, maintaining and retrofitting aging infrastructure while also building for future climate resilience. Retirements and recruitment challenges will be a heavy blow to Canada’ future economic growth if steps aren’t taken to Rebuild Canada’s workforce NOW. Also, the essential infrastructure projects that 38 million Canadians rely on every day risk being delayed or cancelled.
As job vacancy rates grow and competition for talent becomes more fierce, the federal government needs to turn to immigration and temporary foreign labour to help alleviate the choke points created by the workforce shortage.
On November 15, CCA will once again be on Parliament Hill advocating for long-term infrastructure investment; attracting and retaining the workforce we need now and in the future; and improving procurement and project delivery methods. Policies that promote and utilize the skills and experience of immigrants and newcomers will be a key ask. As will building with resilience in the face of climate risks, enhancing our trade-enabling infrastructure and adapting federal procurement to support shared risk and account for long-term value and sustainability.
Add your voice to CCA’s Rebuild Canada’s workforce NOW call to action by sending a letter to your MP.