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July 8, 2009 – Government stimulus could help Ontario’s construction industry weather the recession
June 25, 2009 – Manitoba’s Construction Sector Remains Strong
June 22, 2009 – Alberta’s Construction Sector Must Plan Now
June 17, 2009 – Canada Will Still Need Record Number of Skilled Workers
June 11, 2009 – Construction Trades’ Workers in High Demand in Saskatchewan
June 4, 2009 – Atlantic Canada Needs 20,000 Skilled Trades’ Workers
May 26, 2009 – B.C.’s Construction Industry Built to Buffer Recession
March 17, 2009 – Infrastructure Spending Cushions Construction Industry

Government stimulus could help Ontario’s construction industry weather the recession

135,000 new workers still needed over the next decade

July 8, 2009

Windsor – Ontario’s construction industry could weather the economic downturn better than many other sectors as proposed government infrastructure spending provides a soft landing according to figures released today in the Construction Sector Council’s (CSC) fifth annual edition of “Construction Looking Forward,” a detailed industry outlook scenario of labour market trends from 2009 to 2017 in Ontario.

While the recession has weakened housing and industrial activity, other construction sectors are expected to see employment gains in 2009 and 2010 associated with increased government infrastructure (highway, bridge and other engineering) spending that potentially offsets employment losses.

Over the remainder of the outlook the overall economy recovers and the expected increase in construction activity and the need to replace retiring baby boomers translates into the demand for 135,000 new jobs over the next decade.

“Due to the size and complexity of the Ontario market, there are varying degrees of positive construction employment across the province, with the GTA expecting to realize important gains in the short term,” said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council. “Despite the downturn, employment numbers should remain steady as several proposed major infrastructure projects across Ontario come on-line.”

The CSC report breaks down employment needs across five Ontario regions: Northern, Eastern, Western, Central, and the Greater Toronto Area and each have specific circumstances. The GTA will lead the province in construction employment over the next few years as growth remains steady. Other regions of the province however will feel the effects of the recession more strongly over the next three years.

“Transportation and other infrastructure related projects will keep our industry moving in the next few years,” said Rob Bradford, Executive Director of the Ontario Road Builders Association. “Meeting industry’s demand will require a workforce that is flexible as opportunities occur across the province and workers will need to move to where the jobs are.”

Overall construction employment in the CSC trades is expected to increase slightly from 2009 – 2011. From 2012 to 2017, growth in construction employment will average 2.7% annually. These additions to the workforce will come as the overall growth in the Ontario labour force slows to 1% or less. Construction employers will be competing for a steadily growing share of the provincial workforce.

“We need to continue to plan for our existing and future workforce needs,” said Pat Dillon, Business Manager of the Ontario Building and Construction Trades Council. “Governments need to step up apprenticeship and recruitment programs, and put in place measures that include tax relief to facilitate the mobility of our current displaced workforce to ensure that we have the skilled labour ready to take on new projects and replace retiring workers.”

“For Ontario’s construction industry, it remains imperative to promote construction careers, attract youth and enhance training programs,” said Mark Arnone, Director, Projects and Modifications, Ontario Power Generation (Nuclear). “Future major industrial and engineering projects will need a skilled work force to sustain growth and build Ontario’s future.”

The Construction Sector Council is a national organization committed to developing a highly skilled workforce – one that will support the future needs of the construction industry in Canada. Created in April of 2001, and financed by both government and industry, the CSC is a partnership between labour and business.

The CSC’s “Construction Looking Forward” national and regional forecasts provide colleges, labour and industry with accurate information on labour supply and demand to support the future needs of the construction industry in Canada.

For a copy of the Ontario labour market forecast visit our website: www.csc-ca.org

For Further Information Contact:

Rosemary Sparks
Construction Sector Council
(416) 271-2633

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Manitoba’s Construction Sector Remains Strong

Over 10,000 skilled trades’ workers will be needed

June 25, 2009

Winnipeg – Construction employment in Manitoba is on the rise and will keep growing despite the economic downturn, according to the Construction Sector Council’s (CSC’s) latest forecast.

“This is one sector that’s helping to build Manitoba out of the recession,” said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council. “And there’s no letting up. Over ten thousand skilled trades’ workers are needed here over the next 9 years.”

“Construction companies remain in a hiring mode which reflects the positive outlook for the industry,” said John Schubert, President of the Winnipeg Construction Association. “There are terrific career opportunities for Manitoban’s who want to enter the skilled trades.”

Highlights of the Construction Sector Council’s annual report “Construction Looking Forward” for Manitoba show the combination of government stimulus and planned projects, including airport redevelopment, mine upgrades and pipeline conversion, will boost employment in many skilled trades by more than 5% between now and 2011.

“And those figures will keep going up,” said Michael Moore, President of the Manitoba Homebuilders Association. “Housing expansion between 2011 and 2017 is expected to boost employment in key trades by more than 25%. That’s quite a trend.”

The forecast shows an estimated 5,400 construction workers will retire between 2009 and 2017. This is in addition to the 5,300 skilled workers needed to keep up with demand. Rising construction activity will be driven by strong residential investment, and major hydro, mining and pipeline projects.

“The take home message is plan now,” said Dave Martin, Executive Director of the Manitoba Building and Construction Trades Council. “If we step up apprenticeship and recruitment programs, we’re confident more young people will realize there’s a great future in the skilled trades. This is where the jobs are.”

The Construction Sector Council is Canada’s most reliable source for labour market forecasting and commentary. The CSC is a national organization committed to supporting the future needs of Canada’s construction industry through a highly skilled workforce.

The CSC’s “Construction Looking Forward” national and regional forecasts provide governments, colleges, labour and industry with accurate information on labour supply and demand to ensure Canada’s construction industry remains a leading sector in Canada’s economy.

Manitoba’s Construction Looking Forward Scenario 2009-2010 is available along with all forecast scenario data at www.constructionforecasts.ca

For Further Information Contact:

Rosemary Sparks
Construction Sector Council
(416) 271-2633

Scott Brownrigg
Sussex Strategy Group
(416) 277-8847

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Alberta’s Construction Sector Must Plan Now

30,000 skilled trades’ workers will be needed in the economic upturn

June 22, 2009

Edmonton – Representatives from labour and industry are taking part in Alberta’s Construction Labour Market Symposium today to ensure that Alberta has the skilled labour force in place when the economy turns around.

“It’s crucial that we plan now for the economic upturn,” said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council. “When big energy projects gear back up we have to make sure our skilled workforce is ready.”

Highlight’s of the Construction Sector Council’s annual report “Construction Looking Forward” for Alberta show construction employment in the province is on the decline after more than a decade of extraordinary growth.

Although a number of major manufacturing projects are planned or underway, including three ethanol production plants, employment losses will continue into 2011. These losses will shift from residential trades to the skilled non-residential workforce after the cancellation or postponement of several proposed oil industry projects.

When Alberta starts to come out of the recession in 2010, big energy projects are expected to come back on stream in 2013.

“Transportation and related projects will also pick up in the medium term,” said Ken Gibson, Executive Director of the Alberta Construction Association. “It means we have some breathing room now to plan for better times.”

Government investment is expected to increase rapidly in 2009 and 2010 as the fiscal stimulus package is spent on various public infrastructure projects from water, sewer and roads to hospitals and schools.

“Our challenge is to make sure that experienced trades’ people who left the industry and province in the downturn come back,” said Jay Westman, President and CEO of Jayman MasterBUILT. “We know that when the recession ends we’ll need these skilled trades’ workers.”

The forecast shows that employment in residential and non-residential trades will rise by 2015, exceeding 2008 employment levels. New housing investment and housing starts will rebound in the longer term reaching 32 thousand units in 2017.

The forecast also projects that as many as 22,000 construction workers are expected to retire from 2009 to 2017. Another 8,000 new workers will be needed to meet construction demand later in the forecast period as the economy strengthens and major oil sand investment increases starting in 2014.

“We’re confident that today’s symposium will help us put a regional plan in place to meet the need for skilled trades’ people regardless of economic cycles,” said Ron Harry, Executive Director of the Building Trades of Alberta. “Industry and government must meet the challenges of volatile markets by continually utilizing skilled trades people from all parts of Canada, replacing retirees and improving the skills of our construction workforce.”

Alberta’s Construction Looking Forward Scenario 2009-2010 will be available in the coming weeks along with a summary from the Alberta Labour Market Symposium and all forecast scenario data at www.constructionforecasts.ca

For Further Information Contact:

Rosemary Sparks
Construction Sector Council
(416) 271-2633

Scott Brownrigg
Sussex Strategy Group
(416) 277-8847

TOP PRINT

Canada Will Still Need Record Number of Skilled Workers

Government Funding Expected to Boost Projects and Employment Opportunities

June 17, 2009

Ottawa – The construction industry is poised to play a major role in leading Canada out of the recession, the Construction Sector Council (CSC) announced today.

“We know there are construction projects right across Canada that are ready to go,” said George Gritiziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council. “The construction industry could play a major role in building a stronger economy, depending on the timing and implementation of government funded projects.”

Federal and provincial government fiscal stimulus investments are expected to boost construction spending and employment over the next three years, offsetting the effects of a decline in housing starts and the temporary delays in major resource and industrial projects.

The information is contained in highlights of the Construction Sector Council’s annual national forecast of labour market trends called “Construction Looking Forward.” It is the most detailed and advanced forecast of labour market conditions available in Canada.

The forecast shows that 317,000 skilled workers will be needed between now and 2017. That’s a record high. To meet the expected rise in construction activity in the longer term, 149,000 workers will be required. Another 168,000 construction workers will be needed to replace retiring baby boomers over the forecast period.

“The demand for skilled labour over the next decade will reach an all time high,” said Robert Blakely, Director of Canadian Affairs, Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “Government and industry have to step up their recruiting efforts, career promotion and training to build the skilled workforce Canada will need.”

The pace of construction activity will accelerate between 2013 and 2017. “If there was ever a time to plan and prepare the construction industry for the economic upturn, this is it,” said Tim Flood, Business Co-Chair of the Construction Sector Council.

As a result of government backed institutional, transportation and energy projects, Quebec has sustained employment growth through the recession. Proposed major projects in mining, manufacturing and utility industries coupled with government infrastructure and industrial projects are sustaining employment growth in British Columbia. In Ontario, construction labour markets will experience a soft landing compared to other industries, while in Alberta employment slows after more than a decade of extraordinary growth.

Momentum is also being created by new and ongoing projects in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador. When combined with government stimulus initiatives, these projects which have helped to sustain construction employment.

The national “Construction Looking Forward” Scenario 2009-2017 will be available in the coming weeks along with all forecast scenario data at www.constructionforecasts.ca

For Further Information Contact:

Rosemary Sparks
Construction Sector Council
(416) 271-2633

Scott Brownrigg
Sussex Strategy Group
(416) 277-8847

TOP PRINT

Construction Trades’ Workers in High Demand in Saskatchewan

Double Digit Employment Growth in Many Skilled Trades

June 11, 2009

Regina – Construction trades are in high demand in Saskatchewan where industrial, civil engineering and institutional projects are accelerating the province’s skilled trades’ force toward record employment levels, the Construction Sector Council (CSC) announced today at the Saskatchewan Construction Labour Market Symposium.

“Record investment in this province is leading to record employment in the construction industry,” said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council. “This is one of the few sectors where we can say, what recession.”

Highlights of the Construction Sector Council’s annual edition of “Construction Looking Forward” for Saskatchewan shows employment in 33 trades and occupations tracked by the CSC will increase by more than 7% each year in 2009 and 2010. Currently more than 25,700 people are employed in the construction trades in Saskatchewan.

“We’re seeing unprecedented growth and opportunity in Saskatchewan’s construction sector this year compared to other provinces and industries,” said Michael Fougere, President of the Saskatchewan Construction Association. “Just how much growth and opportunity depends on when government infrastructure and private projects get rolling.”

Regional representatives are attending today’s symposium to discuss labour market trends and how Saskatchewan can best meet demands for a skilled construction labour force.

“Right now we’re in a great position,” said Terry Parker, Business Manager of the Saskatchewan Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council.

“A combination of good timing and aggressive recruiting is helping us fill jobs with workers leaving projects that are wrapping up in other provinces.”

The demand for construction trades is being driven by both residential and non residential investment including mining and manufacturing projects either planned or underway. As a result, more than 4,300 new skilled trades’ workers will be needed to meet peak demand in 2014. Another 4,400 are required to replace retiring baby boomers over the next decade.

“With the right planning, and strong focus on training and recruiting, Saskatchewan should have a new generation of trades people, supervisors, and managers ready when needed,” said Sid Matthews, President of the Construction Labour Relations Association of Saskatchewan. “That’s our goal.”

Saskatchewan’s Construction Looking Forward Scenario 2009-2010 will be available in the coming weeks along with a summary from the Saskatchewan Labour Market Symposium and all forecast scenario data at www.constructionforecasts.ca

For Further Information Contact:

Scott Brownrigg
Sussex Strategy Group
Cell (416) 277-8847

Rosemary Sparks
Construction Sector Council
Cell (416) 271-2633

TOP PRINT

Atlantic Canada Needs 20,000 Skilled Trades’ Workers

Worker Mobility Key to Sustaining Strength

June 4, 2009

Saint John – Planned major industrial, resource and government infrastructure projects will help Atlantic Canada’s construction industry gain momentum through the recession, the Construction Sector Council announced today at the Atlantic Construction Labour Market Symposium.

“A regional approach is needed to make sure we meet the skilled labour requirements from province to province,” said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council. “I’m confident today’s symposium will result in a regional solution.”

The focus of today’s symposium that has brought together industry, training, and government representatives from across Atlantic Canada, is to plan now to ensure the region has a strong skilled construction workforce when the economy improves.

“These projects coupled with government stimulus will create both employment opportunities and challenges,” said Hilary Howes, Executive Director of the Construction Association of New Brunswick. “We need to ensure we’ve got the workforce in place to keep pace when new construction begins across the region.”

The symposium will discuss solutions to issues identified in the Construction Sector Council’s annual report “Construction Looking Forward.” The report highlights labour market trends from 2009 to 2017 in Atlantic Canada.

The CSC’s forecast identifies several major projects in New Brunswick that are projected to drive employment up 45% over four years starting in 2012. These projects which are now either underway or in the planning stage, include an oil refinery and a nuclear power plant.

The CSC’s forecast also show major resource development projects will create 3,200 new construction jobs over the next 9 years in Newfoundland and Labrador. These planned projects include a nickel processing facility, oil field expansion, mine development and hydro projects. Construction employment growth in this province outpaces all others.

Planned resource related projects and government infrastructure activity will add 2,400 new jobs this year and next in Nova Scotia, offsetting the loss of 1,000 jobs in residential construction.

“Our challenge is attracting new young recruits, training and retaining skilled workers,” said Derm Cain, CSC Board Director and Canadian Regional Director of the International Union of Operating Engineers. “It’s a must, given that 5,900 skilled workers are needed to replace retiring baby boomers in Nova Scotia alone.”

The report finds that Atlantic Canada will need more than 4,600 new trades’ people to meet demands for new construction. The age of Atlantic Canada’s workforce is above the national average. As a result, an unprecedented 15,000 workers are needed to replace retiring baby boomers between now and 2017.

In Prince Edward Island, the report shows an increase in housing activity and government infrastructure projects will create 320 new construction jobs over the next two years.

Still, both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island risk losing skilled workers to Newfoundland and Labrador in the short term and New Brunswick in the longer term.

Atlantic Canada’s “Construction Looking Forward” Scenario 2009-2010 will be released in the coming weeks, along with summary from the Atlantic Labour Market Symposium and all forecast scenario data at www.constructionforecasts.ca

For Further Information Contact:

Danna O’Brien
Sussex Strategy Group
(416) 500-0699

Rosemary Sparks
Construction Sector Council
(416) 271-2633

TOP PRINT

B.C.’s Construction Industry Built to Buffer Recession

Construction Sector Front and Centre at Labour Market Symposium

May 26, 2009

Vancouver – British Columbia’s construction industry will weather the recession better than many other industries thanks to government infrastructure spending, the Construction Sector Council (CSC) announced today at the B.C. Construction Labour Market Symposium. Labour and industry representatives from across the province are meeting to find ways of ensuring this key sector is ready for the next wave of construction.

While the economic downturn has affected residential and commercial construction projects, major projects have been planned in the mining, manufacturing and utility industries.

“According to our scenario, these projects, coupled with the governments’ infrastructure projects will help to boost employment growth in B.C.’s construction industry over the next few years,” said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council. “Despite the downturn in the economy, there are opportunities for B.C.’s skilled trades’ workers.”

These are the highlights of the Construction Sector Council’s (CSC) annual edition of “Construction Looking Forward,” a detailed forecast of labour market trends from 2009 to 2017 for British Columbia.

Over the short term government-related construction, especially with strong infrastructure stimulus programs, will play an important role in creating employment opportunities. As economic conditions improve with the return of consumer and business confidence, construction activity will expand on several fronts throughout the forecast period.

”We’re fortunate that few sectors will ride out the recession as well as British Columbia’s construction industry,” said Manley McLachlan, President of the BC Construction Association.

The report finds that 26,000 new workers will be required from now until 2017 to replace retiring baby boomers. Another 6,400 workers will be needed to meet the medium to long- term rise in construction activity.

“This is the time for the construction industry to plan for the future,” said Wayne Peppard, Executive Director of the BC Building Trades. “Industry and government must focus on improving skills, increasing mobility, and recruiting young talent so that the construction industry is a driving force through the ups and downs of the economy.”

B.C’s Construction Looking Forward Scenario 2009-2017 will be available in the coming weeks along with a summary from the BC Labour Market Symposium and all forecast scenario data at www.constructionforecasts.ca

For Further Information Contact:

Scott Brownrigg
Sussex Strategy Group
Cell (416) 277- 8847

Rosemary Sparks
Construction Sector Council
Cell (416) 271-2633

TOP PRINT

Infrastructure Spending Cushions Construction Industry

March 17, 2009

Ottawa – Initial assessments of the federal government’s stimulus package show it is helping to ease the economic impact of the recession on one of Canada’s most important sectors, according to the Construction Sector Council (CSC).

“We’re confident this $30 billion injection over the next two fiscal years will provide the construction industry with a soft landing during these challenging economic times,” said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council.”

Right now virtually the entire Canadian construction labour force is in transition as mega projects are delayed from coast to coast and residential spending declines.

The CSC’s analysis shows the fiscal stimulus included in the federal budget, and anticipated in coming provincial initiatives, will boost construction spending and employment over the next three years. It will create the conditions needed to maintain the construction capacity that will be required to respond not only to the stimulus measures but to all future demands for infrastructure development and maintenance as our economy recovers.

“Construction employment is expected to show small gains from 2009 to 2010 and remain unchanged in 2011, and we think that’s a very good sign compared to so many other sectors,” Gritziotis added. Construction employment figures will be detailed in the final CSC national and provincial labour market forecasts available this spring.

The CSC’s “Construction Looking Forward” national and regional forecasts provide colleges, government, labour and industry with accurate information on labour supply and demand to support the future needs of the construction industry in Canada.

The Construction Sector Council is a national organization committed to developing a highly skilled workforce – one that will support the future needs of the construction industry in Canada.

Created in April of 2001, and financed by both government and industry, the CSC is a partnership between labour and business. Visit our website: www.csc-ca.org.

For Further Information Contact:

George Gritziotis
Construction Sector Council
(905) 569-5552
gritziotis@csc-ca.org

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