Construction Association of NB builds partnership to address labour shortages
News release
January 29, 2024 · Fredericton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
A robust workforce is the foundation for strong communities, a thriving economy and a more secure future for all Canadians. The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are working together to support innovation in the construction sector, and accelerate future developments that will make a real difference for Atlantic Canada.
Today, Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, announced a federal investment of $190,612 in the Construction Association of New Brunswick (CANB), through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour also announced $250,000 towards this project and other related initiatives on behalf of the Province of New Brunswick.
With this support, the CANB is launching a Labour Force Adjustment Committee to develop short and long-term solutions to labour shortages in New Brunswick’s construction sector. The committee -- a partnership between federal and provincial governments and various industry stakeholders – will examine challenges and opportunities in the sector. The committee will begin its efforts with a 100-day challenge to find solutions to critical roadblocks such credential recognition, recruitment, and workplace readiness.
Today’s announcement highlights how the Government of Canada is contributing to Atlantic Canada’s momentum by strengthening our communities, creating new opportunities, and setting the stage for a strong, sustainable future.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canada is teeming with potential. Through this project, we’re making sure that we have the workers we need to continue building on our region's momentum. More construction workers means more homes, for more families at prices they can afford.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“I am encouraged by the commitment and dedication demonstrated by the Construction Association of New Brunswick and the new Workforce Partnership to address the overwhelming needs in this sector. The launch of their 100-day challenge marks a critical starting point to removing barriers and finding innovative solutions that can make real change for our communities.”
- Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton
“New Brunswick is experiencing unprecedented growth, and we need to accelerate building everything from schools to homes to commercial space. The construction workforce is at the centre of this, and this committee will be key to helping us find ways to meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople, particularly in relation to residential construction.”
- The Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
“The construction sector in New Brunswick represents 7.5% of the provincial GDP and it is at a critical stage. We need to produce new and innovative ways to address the labour shortage so that we will be able to meet this province’s growth needs. We are excited for our members to be contributing to this groundbreaking project to tackle this problem, and to help New Brunswick grow.”
- John-Ryan Morrison, Executive Director, Construction Association of New Brunswick
Quick facts
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The Construction Association of New Brunswick (CANB) works to effectively present the industry’s collective views to various client groups, particularly to relevant departments and agencies of the provincial government. As a collective voice for the industry, the organization is a reputable voice of the industrial, commercial, and institutional building sectors of the construction industry.
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According to labour force data, around 8.5 per cent of construction jobs are currently unfilled. Labour force projections estimate there will be 10,000 vacancies within the construction workforce between 2018 and 2027.
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Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Sharon Stanford-Rutter
Director, Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
sharon.stanford-rutter@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Paul Bradley
Communications Director
Government of New Brunswick
Paul.bradley@gnb.ca
John-Ryan Morrison
Executive Director
Construction Association of New Brunswick
canb4@constructnb.ca
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