In construction, we know the value of planning, adaptability and embracing change; it’s how we build for the future. That same approach is critical as we address a pressing challenge facing our industry: the workforce shortage.
The latest statistics from our industry highlight a pressing challenge: over the next decade, we’ll need more than 350,000 new workers. To put that into perspective, this need accounts for nearly 21 per cent of the current workforce. As an industry, we are struggling to meet the growing workforce needs, and this demand underscores the urgent need for real action and immediate solutions.
As we work to meet these workforce challenges, we must recognize that long-term success depends on building an industry that is truly inclusive and diverse. Currently, 86 per cent of nearly 1.6 million construction workers are men. By taking meaningful steps today, we can ensure that construction remains strong, innovative and sustainable. By attracting more women to the industry, we can access a diverse talent pool ready to drive significant change. Ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce can provide fresh perspectives, innovative solutions and stronger collaboration, benefiting not just women, but everyone in the industry.
According to a study by McKinsey, companies with greater gender diversity are 21 per cent more likely to experience above-average profitability. Promoting women in construction can lead to stronger business outcomes and drive innovation, while addressing our need for more workers today and in the future.
The time is now to focus on attracting and retaining women and, ultimately, creating a more inclusive industry. Research conducted by the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) with members of the Angus Reid Forum across Canada underscored the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the construction industry. A significant majority, 69 per cent, of respondents believe these factors are crucial for the industry’s prosperity and growth. In addition, 73 per cent of women surveyed agree that more must be done to attract and retain women in construction. These findings show that the desire for change is there. Achieving this will lead to a stronger, more inclusive and unified industry that will thrive in the years to come.
We need to create a construction industry where women are fully represented, respected and empowered at all levels, leading to a more inclusive and unified future.
Challenges such as childcare, pay equity, equitable job titles and access to inclusive personal protection equipment are just a few of the barriers that continue to stop women from joining our industry, while at the same time cause women to leave the industry. Leaders across the construction landscape need to take bold action to solve these issues and create an environment where women can thrive. As the construction industry strives to facilitate the effective representation of women, mentorship and sponsorship, and the availability of such opportunities for women, are key factors in achieving this goal.
Immediate and effective action is crucial to attract women to the construction industry, and this includes breaking down traditional barriers; providing training, networking opportunities and resources; and, being continually focused on ensuring inclusion is the cornerstone of a company’s actions. With every step forward, we can all help women enter and advance in their construction careers.
By embracing diversity and inclusion, we not only meet the growing demand for workers, but we can also unlock the full potential of the industry. Women bring fresh perspectives, innovation and talent, which are essential for the continued success and growth of construction. Together, we can create an industry where we all succeed.
These are the findings of a survey conducted by CAWIC from Feb. 23-27, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,505 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English.
Canada’s construction industry welcomes long overdue federal leadership on the National Infrastructure Assessment
After four years on the shelf, the federal government announced the council appointed to deliver the National Infrastructure Assessment. This initiative has long been a cornerstone of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA)’s advocacy, with representatives recently raising awareness of the issue on Parliament Hill in November, 2024.
The newly-appointed Canadian Infrastructure Council will prioritize housing-enabling infrastructure like water, wastewater, public transit, active transportation and waste management. While this is a promising first step, more action is needed. Infrastructure demands across the country also include transportation and trade-enabling projects, which are vital to strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy and connecting communities.
“We are thrilled to see the federal government finally take leadership in addressing the need for a long-term plan for Canada’s infrastructure,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “While the scope of the council is incomplete, we do appreciate the government finally listening to the industry responsible for building Canada’s infrastructure.”
While the industry is overall pleased with the announcement, the newly-formed Canadian Infrastructure Council lacks clear industry and financial representation. CCA has long urged the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities to appoint an independent representative from the construction industry to the council. Failing to consult with those that build the infrastructure Canadians rely on, and those that finance it, will create significant challenges. Without this input, there will be a lack of understanding on key issues, limitations, and opportunities that exist in building a strong and resilient Canada.
CCA will continue to monitor the development and progress of the Canadian Infrastructure Council, and welcomes further consultation with industry and the federal government.
WCB announces 2025 preliminary average premium rate
The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced the 2025 preliminary average employer premium rate will remain unchanged from the 2024 rate at $1.28 per hundred dollars of payroll. The announcement was made at the WCB’s annual preliminary rate information meeting with Saskatchewan employers, workers and stakeholders on Oct. 31, 2024.
“Year over year, the WCB aims to uphold a balance between stable rates and a fully funded compensation system,” said the WCB’s chair, Gord Dobrowolsky. “The two key drivers of the 2025 preliminary average premium rate are claim costs and payroll. While we are forecasting claim costs to increase, we expect these to be offset by rising employer payroll. This is why we are proposing the 2025 preliminary average premium rate remain at $1.28.”
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system based on collective liability, where all employers share responsibility for workplace injury insurance. Employers are grouped together to form an industry rate code. Premium rates are set for each rate code based on the collective claims experience of employers within each industry rate code. All employers within an industry rate code start with the same industry premium rate.
With the 2025 preliminary rate proposal:
The overall 2025 proposed average preliminary premium rate will remain at $1.28 per hundred dollars of payroll.
Industry premium rates for approximately 76 per cent of Saskatchewan’s employers covered by the WCB will see a decrease or no change for 2025.
Industry premium rates for approximately 24 per cent of Saskatchewan’s employers covered by the WCB will increase this year.
The WCB works to uphold a balance between stable rates that ensure fairness, transparency, collective liability and predictability, and a fully funded compensation system.
“While we are proposing the 2025 preliminary average premium rate remain consistent with last year’s rate, we are seeing claims getting more costly, which coupled with inflation, is expected to put long-term upward pressure on premium rates,” said the WCB’s CEO, Phillip Germain. “By working together to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities in our province, we can help to minimize the impact of factors that are pushing premium rates upward.”
In 2024, the WCB completed an optimization of its investment strategy to improve the long-term expected return on its investments. Increased investment income benefits employers by reducing the premiums needed to operate the compensation system.
Additionally, employers can influence their individual premium rate through effective injury prevention and return-to-work programs. The degree to which employers in an industry work to eliminate workplace injuries also affects industry premium rates. Employers who have a fully functioning safety program and a solid return-to-work program can help prevent and manage work-related injuries.
In 2023, for the fourth year in a row, 90 per cent of employers in the province achieved zero injuries and zero fatalities in their workplaces. On an annual basis, serious injuries account for approximately 11 to 14 per cent of total claims and more than 80 per cent of claim costs in the system.
“The WCB will continue to work to prevent work disability through active worker and employer contact, and collaborative return-to-work plans with workers, employers and health-care providers,” said Germain. “Through all of these efforts, we can work together to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities that significantly impact individuals, families and communities.”
Outstanding achievement in the skilled trades honoured at the 2024 Apprenticeship Celebration Dinner
Nearly 350 people attended this year’s event, sponsored by more than 30 organizations. Held at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, the Apprenticeship Celebration Dinner brought together industry partners and stakeholders, training providers and employers who help build a successful apprenticeship system in Saskatchewan to recognize award winners and celebrate their achievements.
“Skilled tradespeople in Saskatchewan play an important role in building a growing province, and our government is committed to creating more skills training and education opportunities, as guided by the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “Congratulations to those being recognized tonight for their contributions to Saskatchewan’s apprenticeship and trade certification system.”
Thirty-one journeypersons who achieved the highest mark on their trade’s certification exams between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, received the Outstanding New Journeyperson awards. Eleven additional awards issued by the SATCC included the First Nations and Métis Scholarship, the Scholarship for Journeypersons with Disabilities, the Outstanding Instructor and Employer awards, and the Apprenticeship Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to the awards from the SATCC, industry partners including training providers, industry associations, employers and unions also issued scholarships and awards recognizing the achievements of apprentices and journeypersons.
“We are proud to honour and recognize the people who demonstrate excellence in the skilled trades,” SATCC Commission Board Chair Bryan Leier said. “On behalf of the SATCC and the Commission Board of Directors, congratulations to all the award winners for your outstanding achievements that contribute to a strong and successful apprenticeship system in Saskatchewan.”
Canada’s construction leaders call on the federal government to address labour shortages, outdated policies and investment gaps
A strong and healthy construction sector is the key to a solid Canadian economy, but outdated procurement strategies, labour shortages and a lack of adequate investment are preventing the industry from realizing its full potential. On Nov. 19, 2024, construction leaders from across the country headed to Parliament Hill to advocate for urgent intervention from the federal government.
Invest in long-term infrastructure, with a focus on housing, transportation and trade-enabling projects.
Grow the construction workforce to address critical labour shortages.
Modernize procurement processes and cut unnecessary red tape.
Construction contributes $162 billion annually to Canada’s GDP and employs over 1.6 million Canadians. Supporting construction means supporting job creation, trade, critical infrastructure, productivity and growth.
“It’s not promises that build the economy – it’s construction. It drives growth, creates jobs and builds and maintains the essential infrastructure we all depend on,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “To secure Canada’s future, we need to invest in infrastructure, expand our workforce and modernize procurement. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Canada.”
Canada’s builders are asking for substantial changes in how the federal government approaches infrastructure investment, workforce development and procurement. By cutting red tape, collaborating on a long-term vision for infrastructure and addressing labour challenges, we can deliver the projects Canadians need for a stronger future.
Skilled Trade and Technology Week proclaimed in Saskatchewan
To celebrate the week, Skills Canada Saskatchewan hosted a networking breakfast, followed by a skills fair on Thursday, Nov. 7 at Campus Regina Public. Middle years and high school students were invited to learn about available post-secondary and career opportunities in these fields.
Careers in trades and technology provide many opportunities for Saskatchewan youth. Educators were invited to explore a number of activities with their students to learn more, including connecting with Skills Canada Saskatchewan to host Trade and Tech Days at their school, inviting apprentices, journeypersons and other industry representatives into their classrooms to deliver presentations or administer the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program.
Developed and overseen by the SATCC, SYA enhances students’ understanding of apprenticeship and careers in the skilled trades through 12 activities, including researching and writing a report on a designated trade, interviewing a journeyperson and attending a career fair. Students who register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years of program completion receive 300 trade time hours and the waiver of their apprenticeship registration fee and Level 1 technical training tuition.
Two companies fined in workplace incident causing serious injury to a worker
Strathcona Resources Ltd. was fined for contravening clause 3-12 (a) (ii) of the Act. As a result, the court imposed a fine of $60,714.29 with a surcharge of $24,285.71 for a total amount of $85,000. One other charge was withdrawn.
Steel View Energy & Industrial Services Ltd. was fined for contravening clause 3-1 (a) of the regulations (being an employer failed to comply with the duties of an employer at a place of employment, including the provision and maintenance of a plant, systems of work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of the employer’s workers, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).
The court imposed a fine of $39,285.71 with a surcharge of $15,714.29, for a total amount of $55,000. The charges for both companies stemmed from a single incident that occurred on Dec. 5, 2022, near Major, Sask., when a worker was seriously injured when they were struck by an ejection clamp.
