Stimulus and private sector key to construction industry’s resurgence

7/14/2010 10:00:00 AM

The Construction Sector Council (CSC) released their 2010-2018 labour market forecast last week, with insights into the impact the recession had on labour and an urge to address growing need for trained trades over the long term. In its annual report on the supply and demand for construction labour in B.C., the CSC estimated that construction employment fell by 15 percent with the loss of over 21,000 jobs during the downturn.

MJ Whitemarsh, CEO of CHBA BC and member of the Council indicated that the Home Renovation Tax Credit, and other government investment in social and First Nations public housing infrastructure, helped labour markets through the downturn. These programs supported economic growth and provided opportunities for skilled workers. She noted that in general, construction workers faced 10% to 15% job losses (21,000 jobs) in the downturn.

The CSC’s Provincial Construction Looking Forward report estimates the return of stronger labour markets for much of the forecast period. Looking ahead until 2018, the B.C. scenario indicates 28,000 workers will retire, 3,700 positions will be lost due to mortality, and 27,400 new jobs will be created. And it estimates that the 24,000 new entrants will not be enough to meet demand.

Council member and President of the British Columbia Construction Association Manley McLachlan shared that there will not be enough new workers to fill labour requirements, so our priorities will be on recruiting, training and career promotion that targets all potential sources of labour. Construction managers, contractors and supervisors will be in highest demand throughout most of the forecast period.

The CSC compiles reports for each province following consultations with industry leaders, as well as governments and educational institutions. The national and regional scenario-based forecasts are released annually and are available online at www.csc-ca.org. In addition, all scenario-based forecast data is available at www.constructionforecasts.ca.

The complete report is available at: www.csc-ca.org/pdf/CSC-LookingForward10Report-BC-EN.pdf

construction labour market