b'2025 LABOUR SHORTAGE OUTLOOKAnother challenging year in 2025, says BuildForceMATTHEW BRADFORDL abour shortages are likely to remainthe labour supply, although someproper succession plans, a significant a challenge in 2025, but severalprovinces may see slight improvementsknowledge gap and loss of corporate trends offer reasons for optimism.due to project pauses. Each province facesmemory occur.With engagement among younger demo- unique challenges with labour marketsThis drain affects contractors, designers, graphics improving and industry recruit- remaining tight, particularly in Novaconsultants and other key players in the ment and awareness strategies gainingScotia, Ontarios non-residential sectorfield. The challenge is compounded by the traction, there are signs of progress acrossand Alberta, which is looking at a strongindustrys demographics, which indicate the construction sector in addressing thisinventory of projects under consideration persistent issue. over the next few years. labour shortages will persist for the This topic was front and centre at thisThe dynamics of the Canadian skilledforeseeable future.years MCAC conference. Accordingworker shortage are also shifting. DrawingRoom for Optimismto Bill Ferreira, executive director ofon insights from MCACs members,Pressing as it may be, there are indications BuildForce Canada and one of theMCAC COO Ken Lancastle said,that the labour shortage is easing. In conferences presenters, there are goodShortages are more episodic now thanhis conference presentation, Ferreira reasons to keep it there. According totwo or three years ago. We see sustained,highlighted that while labour shortages projections, market demands are set forhigh levels of construction activity acrosscontinue, higher engagement levels among robust growth resuming in mid-2025,the country and ongoing skilled labouryounger talent are encouraging. In a particularly in residential construction,shortages, but it varies by region. In somefollow-up interview following the event, alongside ongoing growth in the non- cases, activity seems dormant until ahe added, One of the main trends weve residential sector. However, some regions,sudden spike in demand occurs, such asbeen following over the past 18 months is such as P.E.I. and B.C., are experiencingduring simultaneous shutdowns. In othera slight increase in the number of young slight pauses due to the completion ofregions, work has been steady since thepeople entering the industry. recent major projects. pandemic, creating backlogs theyre still In most cases, provinces continue to seetrying to clear. Ferreira added that the industry is elevated investment levels outside theLabour shortages are not confined to also seeing significant apprenticeship residential sector, Ferreira explained.the field. The industry also faces a development within the mechanical Even where investment is flat, its stillbrain drain in management andcontracting industry. Anecdotally, he at relatively high levels compared toleadership roles due to the retirement ofadded that many MCAC conference historical norms. experienced personnel. participants reported leveraging government programs from the past two I often say its the best of times and thePeople with 20 to 30 years of experienceyears to support first-year apprentices. worst of times to be in construction, heare leaving middle and team managementThats a good sign that young people are continued. The big challenge remainsroles, Lancastle observed. Withoutinterested in joining the industry, and that 18 www.mcac.ca'