Topic
Labour
New CCA mentorship program connects innovators with contractors looking to test novel solutions
July 9, 2019 David KennedyWithout the direct input of end users, innovations are often little more than solutions in search of problems
Construction jobs dry up in June as industry posts another decline in employment
July 5, 2019 On-Site StaffOTTAWA—Aside from a big April gain, there’s been little to brag about in the Canadian construction industry’s labour market this year. And the negative news shows few signs of abating. Statistics Canada released its June Labour Force survey July 5,…
LNG Canada training initiative aims to recruit women to work on Kitimat, B.C. megaproject
June 18, 2019 David KennedyVANCOUVER—The team of companies behind the development and construction of a major liquefied natural gas project on British Columbia’s north coast have launched a new initiative aimed at recruiting more women to work on building the liquefaction plant and export…
Construction industry faced highest number of unfilled jobs in Q1, surpassing national average: CFIB
June 15, 2019 by Jillian MorganTORONTO—The number of unfilled jobs in Canada’s construction sector outpaced all other industries and the national average in the first four quarter of 2019, according to a recent report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. Coast to coast, 435,000…
Ontario plumbers, pipefitters return to work after week-long strike
June 12, 2019 by Jillian MorganWHITBY, Ont.—Just a week after Ontario plumbers and steamfitters walked off the job over work hours and hiring practices, the two labour organizations involved in the dispute have struck a deal. The Ontario Pipe Trades Council said June 11 it…
Staying on top: Attracting and retaining talent has never been tougher – or more integral to success
June 12, 2019 Saul ChernosConstruction activity continues to fire on all cylinders in Canadian urban centres and is faring well in most other areas of the country. Canada’s Top Contractors are hitting fresh heights as well, but the success masks a steep challenge for…
After big April gain, construction employment slips in May
June 11, 2019 On-Site StaffOTTAWA—The construction labour market rallied in April after four straight months of losses, but it slipped back to its losing ways in May, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. The industry shed approximately 8,600 jobs in May, seasonally…
Ontario construction industry prepares for new prompt payment, adjudication rules expected to bring ‘profound’ change
June 11, 2019 David KennedyTORONTO—Contractors, subcontractors, owners, construction lawyers and a wide range of other stakeholders in Ontario’s construction industry have four final months to prepare for one of the most significant changes to the province’s building industry in years. After a long series…
Ontario plumbers, pipefitters strike for first time in 30 years after negotiations reach impasse
June 3, 2019 by Jillian MorganProjects underway across the province could face disruptions. Talks to reach a resolution are ongoing
Younger generation gets chance to try out construction trades as industry stares down labour shortage
May 31, 2019 by David KennedyOTTAWA—For three days earlier this month, thousands of Ottawa-area students got to try their hands at everything from real-life glass cutting and soldering to welding in virtual reality. Future Building 2019 rolled through the EY Centre in the Canadian capital…
Two Ottawa construction firms, site supervisors fined for death of worker on condo project site
May 31, 2019 by David KennedyOTTAWA—Two construction companies as well as a site supervisor with each firm have been fined a combined $677,500 for the death of a worker on an Ottawa condo project site just over three years ago. The victim was struck by…
12,000 Ontario plumbers, steamfitters on standby to strike, threatening construction work in province
May 29, 2019 by Jillian MorganWHITBY, Ont.—Plumbers and steamfitters are prepared to hit the picket lines May 31 in what would be the sector’s first work stoppage in more than three decades. The imminent strike of 12,000 trades workers could threaten to shake up ongoing…
Construction labour market snaps four-month losing streak as employment surges in April
May 10, 2019 On-Site StaffThe industry added a full two per cent to its workforce between March and April, easily outpacing the overall economy
Combating the labour shortage with operational efficiency gains
April 15, 2019 Jason BarberContractors can optimize job site productivity and reduce the need for additional workers by using proven tools for planning and executing work
Ontario budget promises overhaul of apprenticeship, skilled trades system
April 13, 2019 by David KennedyTORONTO—The scarcity of skilled workers across Ontario is no secret. Construction employers, among others, often face a serious challenge finding tradespersons to fill roles, resulting in project delays and higher costs. The 2019 Ontario budget, the first released under Premier…
Construction loses 2,400 jobs in March, its fourth-straight decline
April 6, 2019 by David KennedyOTTAWA—The slump continues for the construction labour force. Statistics Canada released its monthly employment assessment April 5, revealing the construction industry’s fourth-straight month of job losses. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, the sector shed about 2,400 positions in March, with employment…
Ontario’s controversial Bill 66 to become law, big impact expected for construction markets in several cities
April 3, 2019 by David KennedyThe controversial bill will reclassify certain cities as “non-construction” employers, opening the door for non-union contractors to bid on public jobs
Equipment transport firm fined for float trailer overturn that killed Brampton, Ont. worker in 2013
March 24, 2019 On-Site StaffBRAMPTON, Ont.—A Toronto-area company that specializes in transporting heavy equipment is facing an $85,000 fine after an Ontario appeal judge sided with the crown in a case that involved a 2013 workplace death. The incident took place on May 25,…
Federal budget promises millions to promote skilled trades, outlines funding for job training programs
March 20, 2019 by Jillian MorganOTTAWA—The federal government unveiled a series of new budgetary measures March 19 to encourage young people to enter the skilled trades. The Liberals plan to funnel $40 million over four years to Skills Canada under Budget 2019, with $10 million…
From the editor: Bracing for a worker shortage
March 19, 2019 by David KennedyWhen waters start rising, prudent people shore up their levees. The Canadian construction industry faces more of a drought than a flood, but company leaders across the country need to start taking proactive steps to future-proof their businesses. 10 years…