The causes and needed solutions to address the challenges of Canada’s aging and shrinking workforce were outlined by the Association of Maintenance Contractors of Canada (AMCC) Acting President Shandra Linder on April 17 in her keynote address at the Construction Owners Association of Alberta’s (COAA) Annual Conference.

While this shortage poses significant challenges to the industrial construction and maintenance sector, Shandra shared some potential solutions being worked on by the AMCC.

This current labour shortage is driven by demographic factors, such as lower birth rates, the retirement of baby boomers, and increased demand for skilled labour due to upcoming projects over the next decade, including LNG infrastructure, low-carbon petrochemicals and carbon capture.

Shandra noted the industry faced a similar situation in Alberta from the mid-1990s through 2013 when many new oil sands facilities and related infrastructure were built. Sharing solutions that worked over this period, such as bringing in labour from other parts of Canada or temporary foreign workers, Shandra clarified that these won’t be available today due to demand for skilled labour in other parts of the country and the world.

AMCC is working with the government, labour unions, trade institutions and other stakeholders on long-term and sustainable strategies. These include increased investment in skills development, attracting skilled workers through immigration, and diversifying the workforce by targeting nontraditional groups such as women and Indigenous populations. Other measures include improving workplace cultures, collaborating between construction and maintenance sectors and prioritizing projects.

COAA’s annual conference provided an opportunity for industry professionals to come together to address the challenges in the maintenance and construction sectors in Canada. AMCC will continue to work with the COAA and other organizations to build a stronger future for the industry.

To learn more or for a copy of the presentation, please contact linderirc@amccanada.ca.