👷Talent Thursdays: Minister of Construction

Together with

Good morning!🏆 Do you know an apprentice who is going above and beyond? Skilled Trades Ontario has launched a new awards program to recognize both outstanding apprentices and trades certification champions.

📈LABOUR BY THE NUMBERS

The latest Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey indicates that the construction industry is thriving, with employment reaching 1,644,200 in July 2024, a 0.9% increase from the previous year. The labour force also grew by 0.5%, resulting in a decrease in the industry's unemployment rate to 3.9%, nearing historic lows. British Columbia and Quebec led employment growth, while Ontario saw the most significant contraction. Notably, female employment declined by 7.9%, despite growth among younger women.

👷‍♀️ PEOPLE MOVES

Robert Buchmann is now president at Ideal Welders Ltd. Buchmann started his career at IWL 19 years ago where he learned about their business and operations, embraced their culture and witnessed the high value they bring to clients.

Marc DiMarco has joined Ledcor as HS&E manager in the infrastructure group, supporting the Surrey/Langley skytrain, SkyLinkGP project.

Rhianon Chow, strategic partnership manager at Turner Construction, has joined the board of directors for the International Facility Management Association’s BC Chapter as program and event director. In her new role, Chow will be leading the planning and execution of key events for the association, fostering connections between the construction and facility management communities.

Pier-Luc Napert is now manager of project management at Canam. He has been with the company for more than two years.

Ziad Boustany is stepping into a new role as CEO of BDI. He will focus entirely on building its team, sourcing and assessing prospective partnerships, and driving growth and new initiatives at the affiliate level.  He will be transitioning out of his role at RAM and will now serve solely as a director on its board.

Our full August edition of People Moves, brought to you by the Construction Leaders Forum is out now! Read it in the link below 👇

🗞 HEADLINES

👷‍♀️The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) and the BC Construction Association (BCCA) are advocating for the creation of a new provincial cabinet role, the Minister of Construction, to provide a dedicated voice for the construction industry in B.C.’s legislature. The associations argue that the sector’s significant impact on the economy justifies the need for its own ministerial representation.

🦺 When Dianne Finnigan's daughter struggled to find well-fitting workwear, leading to safety issues, Finnigan founded The Dirty Seahorse, a women's workwear line. Partnering with George Brown College, she developed durable, safe, and functional clothing specifically for women in trades. The line has gained international interest and aims to empower women with comfortable, properly fitting gear.

🏗️ The Canadian government plans to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) allowed into the country. This decision comes after a significant increase in low-wage TFWs following relaxed restrictions during the post-COVID labor shortage. The new policy will prohibit employers in regions with over 6% unemployment from hiring low-wage TFWs, except in sectors with acute staffing shortages, including construction. TFW hires will be capped at 10% of an employer’s workforce, and low-wage TFW contracts will be limited to one year.

TOGETHER WITH NORTHBRIDGE

Network with construction’s top leaders

We are thrilled to announce Amit Patel will be speaking at the Construction Leaders Forum on Sept. 25 in Toronto. Patel serves as Vice President & General Manager for Turner Construction Company’s Business Unit located in Vancouver. Since joining the team in 2011, he has grown the office from himself to over 145 employees, and led the business unit to do over $250 million in revenue annually. Get your tickets now to hear from Patel and other construction leaders.

🧠 LEADERSHIP

Resources for professional development

The secret sauce of tiger teams

Think fast, talk Smart: communication techniques

Harvard debate coach teaches how to argue

Why 80% of construction companies are designed to fail

Tracking undercarriage wear on your heavy equipment

🔥HOT JOBS

Construction Superintendent - Ottawa, Ont. - Taggart

Senior Proposal Coordinator - Calgary, Alta. - Graham

Senior Project Manager - Burnaby, B.C. - Roco Build Construction

Site Supervisor, Multi Family - Calgary, Alta. - Avalon Master Builder

Senior Project Manager - Vancouver, B.C. - Axiom Builders

🔥 Check out all roles up for grabs right now at SiteNews Jobs or put your job post in front of tens of thousands of construction professionals here.

Struggling to fill a role? send us an email at [email protected] to connect with one of our specialized recruitment experts.

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Here’s to a great rest of the week!

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