b'We anticipate a period of moderate growth in most provinces17 per cent for trades highly demanded by the residential sector over the final five years of the decade, which will place additional painters, for examplethe participation of women in the strain on the labour market. mechanical trades is lower, ranging from two to six per cent.Each Province Faces Its Own UniqueIndigenous Canadians represent approximately 4.9 per cent of Labour Force Challengesthe construction labour force, with about 81 per cent of those Manitoba will likely see labour demand weaken and remain lowemployees working directly on construction projects. As one of over the next decade, as will most of the Atlantic provinces, inthe fastest growing demographic groups in the country, theres part owing to the completion of the major projects that havegreat potential for mechanical contractors to recruitdriven provincial construction demands for the past several years.these workers.Thats particularly evident in Newfoundland and Labrador,Canada is also set to welcome approximately three million new where several projects are ending simultaneously and drivingCanadians to the country between 2019 and 2028. While the employment numbers lower following record-high levels. Theimmigrant population already makes up 18 per cent of Canadas exception in the Maritimes is Prince Edward Island, where aconstruction labour force, this new influx of potential workers steady stream of projects and immigration-driven populationrepresents a valuable labour resource for mechanical contractors.growth have heated construction markets.Further declines in labour demand are projected for bothAnd while recruitment of new workers will remain a top-of-mind Alberta and Saskatchewan, as weaker oil and gas and commodityindustry concern for the foreseeable future, equally important prices create uncertainty in the primary sectors and hinder finalwill be the retention of seasoned and competent workers. With all Canadian industrial sectors facing similar demographic investment decisions for major projects. A modest recovery ispressures, the competition for skilled trade workers will become expected over the longer term due to their relatively youngerintense. To ensure that the construction industrys most talented population of these two provinces and the start of several newworkers remain in construction, employers will need to make all major projects currently on the horizon.workers feel welcome, respected and included on the worksite, Labour demands in Ontario and Quebec have reached peakregardless of their ethnicity, gender or cultural background. levels, which we expect to be sustained over the 10-year outlook.Ensuring a respectful and inclusive workplace environment Demand growth is expected to be driven by a large number ofmay be one of the most important strategies an employer can major projects, including nuclear refurbishments in Ontario andleverage to increase recruitment potential and improve retention several significant public infrastructure projects in Quebec. in the face of the baby boom retirement bubble. To that end, British Columbia will lead the provinces, in no small part dueBuildForce Canada has developed a Respectful and Inclusive to the construction of a major liquefied natural gas terminal, inWorkplace Toolkit for construction employers. The toolkit tandem with major transportation and infrastructure projects inincludes a free online self-assessment resource for management to the Lower Mainland. evaluate existing corporate policies and procedures; a Respectful Workplace Policy Framework and Implementation Guide that How can the construction industry meet and overcome thecan be adopted in whole or in part by employers to supplement recruiting challenges of the next decade and balance labourexisting policies and procedures; and the Working in a Respectful requirements against an expanding retirement bubble? and Inclusive Workplace online course designed to educate workers and supervisors about appropriate onsite communication One solution is to ramp up recruitment among groups ofpractices and interactions with colleagues.potential workers underrepresented in the overall industry,Over the next 10 years, the retention of skilled workers will including women, Indigenous people and new Canadians. Whilebe as important as recruiting them. The introduction of new the construction industry has made inroads in engaging thesetechnologies may ease labour demand somewhat, but at its heart, groups in some provinces, the national picture reveals significantthe construction industry continues to rely on the knowledge potential for additional recruitment growth. and dedication of its people. By concentrating on recruitment, Women represent 48 per cent of the national labour force, butretention and innovation, the industry can nurture a labour force only five per cent of those working directly on constructionthat will meet the challenge of replacing retired workers, while projects. While the participation of women can reach upwards ofkeeping pace with rising demand. BID Award-Winning Plumbing & Mechanical Estimating Software2019 NATIONAL BULLETIN27'