Why Canada’s Maintenance Industry Matters
Canada’s maintenance industry is the backbone of our economy. It keeps energy facilities, utilities, manufacturing plants, and transportation systems running safely and reliably. The sector employs tens of thousands of skilled workers, sustains local communities, and supports billions in industrial activity.
But the industry is at a turning point. Fragmented contracting, workforce misalignment, and uneven adoption of technology are straining performance—just as demand for maintenance rises with new energy corridors, infrastructure renewal, and sustainability goals. Without action, costs will climb, projects will be delayed, and Canada’s global competitiveness will erode.
A Collaborative Path Forward
In 2024, the Association of Maintenance Contractors of Canada (AMCC) convened an Independent Advisory Panel of owners, contractors, unions, regulators, and training providers. Over a year of consultation, the Panel identified the systemic barriers holding the industry back—and the opportunities that collaboration can unlock.
Their conclusion is clear: fragmentation must end.
The future depends on building systems of collaboration that replace silos with shared accountability, align stakeholders, and embed safety as the non-negotiable foundation.
The Four Pillars of Canada’s Maintenance Advantage
Productivity Improve planning, reduce duplication, and streamline delivery to maximize resources and time.
Workforce Utilization & Mobilization
Deploy skilled trades effectively, strengthen apprenticeship retention, and ensure projects have the right people at the right time.
Competitiveness
Align standards and delivery models to attract investment and position Canada as a global leader.
Safety
Embed shared practices, transparent reporting, and collective learning to ensure every worker gets home safe, every shift.
Tools for the Future
The solutions already exist. Digital platforms, AI-powered forecasting, predictive maintenance, and data-driven workforce systems are transforming industries worldwide. Canada must embrace these tools—embedding modernization into every project, contract, and training program—or risk being left behind.
The Choice Ahead
The Advisory Panel’s blueprint includes:
- Shared benchmarking and data platforms
- Harmonized certification and integrated workforce planning
- Performance-based contracting and structured mentorship
- Safer workplaces backed by digital and AI-enabled tools
Choose Systems not Silos
- Stay in silos → higher costs, more incidents, declining competitiveness.
- Build systems of collaboration → stronger workforce pipelines, predictable delivery, safer workplaces, and global leadership.
The Time for Bold Action is Now
Canada’s maintenance industry cannot wait for incremental change. Every stakeholder—owners, contractors, unions, regulators, and training providers—must step up, align efforts, and act with urgency.
With courage and cooperation, the industry can secure its future, modernize with the tools of tomorrow, and establish Canada as a global leader in safety, productivity, and resilience.
Learn More about this important Initiative
Want to dive deeper into the One Industry. One Work Force. One Future initiative? Explore the process behind the work, the outcomes identified by the Advisory Panel, and what comes next for Canada’s maintenance industry.
Find the resources you need:
- Project Overview:
A snapshot of why the discussion paper matters and how it came together.
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- Full Paper:
One Industry. One Workforce. One Future – download the complete discussion paper.
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- Fact Sheets:
Quick-reference summaries highlighting key findings and recommendations.
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- Next Steps:
See how AMCC and industry stakeholders will put this blueprint into action.
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