The Construction Industry’s Economic Recovery Plan

If you are a renovation contractor, you are likely to have difficulty finding qualified employees to fill vacancies in your business.

Aware of this problem decried by several renovation contractors, the Quebec government recently announced the application of new measures to facilitate the obtaining of skilled workers for companies working in the construction sector.

Substantial financial assistance will also be provided to support the entire industry during this period of great upheaval. So what do you need to know about that?

The labour shortage in the construction industry

An overview of the situation

While the lack of labour in the construction industry is an increasingly evident reality for construction industry stakeholders, it is important to have a clear picture of the needs that will be met in the coming years. On this point, it should be noted that approximately 13,000 new employees will be hired per year over the next five years. Currently, it is estimated that the labour shortage could have an impact until 2030.

Among the reasons given for the current state of affairs is the very strong pressure on the industry as a whole. However, we should not forget to mention the impact of an ageing population, which complies with the recruitment of young workers ready to take over.

The government's recovery plan

The measures announced

Concerning the measures that will be put in place to address the shortage of skilled labour, these are summed up in 8 points:

1. encourage entrepreneurial succession by allowing employers to obtain two exemptions from a certificate of competency for children (instead of one currently) ;

2. provide students with the opportunity to work on construction sites during their studies ;

3. promote recognition of achievements made outside the construction industry, on condition that a record attests to the required work experience ;

4. accelerate the status of journeymanship for apprentices (it will be possible to apply to this effect after completing 85% of the hours of apprenticeship originally planned) ;

5. accelerate the acquisition of companion status for new graduates ;

6. provide the opportunity for a companion to have the assistance of two apprentices (not one) to speed up the pace of training ;

7. focus on versatility by allowing apprentices to perform a wider range of tasks related to their position ;

8. offer some graduates of the construction industry the chance to obtain a certificate of competency without having to submit to the practice of access to the CCGIC course as well as the draw.

It should be remembered that these measures will be evaluated within a maximum of 24 months following their implementation in order to assess their real impact. If there is recognition of a lack of effectiveness on the part of certain measures, changes could be made.

Financial investment in construction

Apart from the eight measures outlined above, the plan to help the construction industry calls for an investment of $120 million. Of this amount, $95.3 million will be spent over a three-year period. It should be noted that some 40 self-funded measures by various departments will also be implemented, amounting to approximately $25 million.

While the situation surrounding the lack of skilled workers is of greatest concern, it should be noted that some measures will focus on improving the technological tools and devices currently used by those involved in this sector. This digital shift will certainly make it easier to complete several tasks, as well as the speed with which they are carried out. 

Is the quality of construction training compromised?

While some concerns have been expressed in this regard, it should be noted that the qualification of workers is still framed by the Act respecting labour relations, vocational training and workforce management in the construction industry.

In doing so, it must be reiterated that apprentices must always be supervised by a companion in the performance of their duties. Secondly, it is always mandatory for the latter to complete his apprenticeship before considering the completion of the qualification exam necessary to attain companion status. It should be remembered that obtaining a full degree is always the ideal way to qualify to work in this field.

In the same vein, be sure to make it clear that the success of the course Santé et sécurité générale sur les chantiers de construction is always mandatory to obtain a certificate of competency.