Construction/Building — June 25, 2009

Manitoba's Construction Sector Remains Strong

    Over 10,000 skilled trades' workers will be needed

    WINNIPEG, June 25 /CNW/ - Construction employment in Manitoba is on the
rise and will keep growing despite the economic downturn, according to the
Construction Sector Council's (CSC's) latest forecast.
    "This is one sector that's helping to build Manitoba out of the
recession," said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction
Sector Council. "And there's no letting up. Over ten thousand skilled trades'
workers are needed here over the next 9 years."
    "Construction companies remain in a hiring mode which reflects the
positive outlook for the industry," said John Schubert, President of the
Winnipeg Construction Association. "There are terrific career opportunities
for Manitoban's who want to enter the skilled trades."
    Highlights of the Construction Sector Council's annual report
"Construction Looking Forward" for Manitoba show the combination of government
stimulus and planned projects, including airport redevelopment, mine upgrades
and pipeline conversion, will boost employment in many skilled trades by more
than 5% between now and 2011.
    "And those figures will keep going up," said Michael Moore, President of
the Manitoba Homebuilders Association. "Housing expansion between 2011 and
2017 is expected to boost employment in key trades by more than 25%. That's
quite a trend."
    The forecast shows an estimated 5,400 construction workers will retire
between 2009 and 2017. This is in addition to the 5,300 skilled workers needed
to keep up with demand. Rising construction activity will be driven by strong
residential investment, and major hydro, mining and pipeline projects.
    "The take home message is plan now," said Dave Martin, Executive Director
of the Manitoba Building and Construction Trades Council. "If we step up
apprenticeship and recruitment programs, we're confident more young people
will realize there's a great future in the skilled trades. This is where the
jobs are."

    The Construction Sector Council is Canada's most reliable source for
labour market forecasting and commentary. The CSC is a national organization
committed to supporting the future needs of Canada's construction industry
through a highly skilled workforce.
    The CSC's "Construction Looking Forward" national and regional forecasts
provide governments, colleges, labour and industry with accurate information
on labour supply and demand to ensure Canada's construction industry remains a
leading sector in Canada's economy.
    Manitoba's Construction Looking Forward Scenario 2009-2010 is available
along with all forecast scenario data at www.constructionforecasts.ca

For further information: Rosemary Sparks, Construction Sector Council,
(416) 271-2633; Scott Brownrigg, Sussex Strategy Group, (416) 277-8847

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