Spike in home renovation, construction require 100,000 skilled workers

Over 100,000 new skilled workers are needed across Canada over the next decade, thanks to the country’s strong housing markets that led to the increase in home renovation and construction activities.
 
Data from BuildForce Canada and Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) found that the residential construction labour market needs 129,000 workers to supply the demand for housing in the country in the next 10 years.
 
"Our report recognizes the specific needs and challenges facing residential construction employers," Rosemary Sparks, executive director of BuildForce Canada told Newswire. "By tracking cycles in new housing construction, trends in renovation, and impending retirements of workers across the industry, we're helping employers make the most informed decisions possible about labour force needs in this important sector."
 
The new residential construction report by the two groups is the first in Canada to focus exclusively on supply and demand for home builders and renovators.
 
"We're delighted by this new partnership and the insights this work will bring to our industry," said Kevin Lee, chief executive officer of CHBA. "This new report includes market indicators not found anywhere else, ensuring our industry is better equipped to anticipate and respond to changing conditions."
 
The report also shows the biggest challenge across all provinces is the aging residential construction workforce. There is also a need to replace about 114,000 skilled workers retiring this decade.
 

More Mortgage Guide