Supply and Demand for Construction Labour Falls in B.C.

B.C. -  In its annual report on the supply and demand for construction labour in B.C., the Construction Sector Council (CSC)  estimated that construction employment fell by 15 per cent with the loss of over 21,000 jobs during the downturn.
M.J. Whitemarsh, Chief Executive Offices, CHBA – B.C. noted that, in general, construction workers faced 10 per cent to 15 per cent job losses (21,000 jobs) in the downturn. “The Home Renovation Tax Credit, and other government investment in social and First Nations public housing infrastructure, have helped labour markets through the downturn,” said Whitemarsh. “These programs support economic growth and provide opportunities for skilled workers.”
But the provincial Construction Looking Forward report estimates the return of stronger labour markets for much of the forecast period.
“Industry and governments must also consider that the demographic challenge is here today and that we need to continue to address our labour market needs,” says Wayne Peppard, Executive Director of the British Columbia and Yukon Building Trades.
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.
“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,” says Manley McLachlan, President of the British Columbia Construction Association. “Construction managers, contractors and supervisors will be in high 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.