FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 18, 2023 Calgary Construction Association Raises Concerns About Construction Job Vacancies in the Calgary Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 18, 2023

Calgary Construction Association Raises Concerns About Construction Job Vacancies in the Calgary Region

Calgary, Alberta – A shortage of skilled construction workers is causing concerns for the local construction industry. Despite a growing demand for new homes and construction projects, both commercial and residential builders are struggling to find enough workers to keep up with the pace of development.

The shortage is being attributed to several factors, including strong demand for record migration to the region, an aging workforce, and a lack of young people entering the industry. Many experienced construction workers have also retired or left the industry, leaving a gap in the labour market.

“This is an issue that we have been bracing for, over recent years, if not decades,” said Black. “Our concern is that this year and in the near future, the skilled worker shortage will become a key issue.”

The Calgary Construction Association estimates that there are between 3,000-4,000 construction job vacancies in the Calgary region alone. Nationally, the number of construction job vacancies is estimated at 93,000.

“This is a problem that not only affects Calgary and Alberta but Canada as a whole,” said Bill Black, President of the Calgary Construction Association. “The Calgary region isn’t just competing with the rest of Alberta for talent, but the entire Country.”

The lack of workers impacts the completion schedules of new homes and infrastructure projects, which drives up costs for builders, consumers, and owners.

Construction employers are stepping up to the challenge on an industry scale, but despite this, the situation is expected to worsen unless significant steps are taken to address the shortage of construction workers. The Calgary Construction Association believes that this is a societal