The construction sector is a massive industry in Canada, employing approximately 1.2 million men and women, or approximately 7% of the Canadian workforce. That’s a 50% increase in jobs from the prior decade. As Canada’s economy and population continue to rise, largely due to strong immigration, the need for infrastructure and housing continues to expand as well. That’s positioned the construction industry for strong growth in the coming years.
looking for work in the construction sector? connect with a recruiter who specializes in the field for help finding the best job offers.
connect with an expertwhat’s happening now
high value projects are breaking ground.
There’s no shortage of big construction projects on the horizon. High-value public and private sector projects continue to break ground at a steady clip. This includes ambitious projects such as the 16-km subway line between Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto or the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel on Highway 99, which crosses the Fraser River in Vancouver, British Columbia.
investments in infrastructure are also strong.
Big investments in construction are planned across the country. For instance, the Governments of Canada and Albera have committed over $52.7 million to the completion of several infrastructure projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) has earmarked $150 million for the repair and improvement of community infrastructure facilities across the country. TC Energy has approved construction of an $8 billion project to transport up to 830,000 barrels a day of oil from Alberta to Nebraska, which is about one-fifth of all the oil Canada transports to the United States each day.
where we’re headed next
forecasting for 2022.
The construction industry in Canada is expected to record a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.5% by 2024. That will make Canada’s construction sector worth a massive $354.9 billion (USD). (Deleted text)
future investments are already in the works.
The Canadian government has committed to building and maintaining infrastructure across the country. Under the ‘Investing in Canada Plan’, they have earmarked over $180 billion (CAD) in key infrastructure over the next decade. The plan includes funding for long-waited projects related to public transit, affordable housing, and developing rural communities, among others. Green energy is another core investment area, with a focus on sustainability and stimulating local economies.
jobs are being created.
The construction sector is poised for major growth in the coming years, which means more boots on the ground will be needed to meet demand. According to BuildForce Canada’s national report, Construction and Maintenance: Looking Forward (2021–2030), while most of the sector’s growth is expected to occur by 2025, all industries across the province will have to replace close to 259,100 workers by the end of the decade due to retirements. This accounts for almost 22% of the current workforce. The report also forecasted that construction employment is expected to rise by 64,900 workers over the next ten years.
keep an eye on the impact of automation.
Automation continues to be seen as a potential threat in many job sectors, and the construction industry is no exception. That said, the construction sector remains fairly low-risk for automation-related job losses compared to industries like manufacturing, retail, and agriculture. A lot of the day-to-day work in construction is difficult to replicate with machines, which safeguards it from the impacts of automation, to a degree.