The Canadian Construction Association celebrated Canada’s first annual Construction Day on November 26.

In collaboration with CCA’s partner associations across the country, the day celebrated the hard work and commitment of the more than 1.5 million people who work in our industry. From hospitals to highways and cell phone towers to school buildings, the impact of the construction industry is everywhere. 

“Construction Day is an opportunity to recognize those who work in the industry and the vital role they play in enriching the quality of life we enjoy as Canadians,” said Mary Van Buren, CCA president. “The infrastructure they help build and maintain strengthens communities and supports economic growth.” 

Several key statistics highlight construction’s impact as an economic driver, a key job creator and a force for social change:

• construction accounts for 7 percent of Canada’s total GDP, or about $141 billion annually,
• construction workers comprise about 7.5 percent of Canada’s total workforce,
• about 5 percent of the construction workforce is composed of Indigenous peoples,
• about 13 percent of the workforce is made up of women,
• over the past three years, the number of women in direct trades and occupations increased by 30 percent,
• construction will need to recruit, train and retain more than 300,000 workers in the next decade, and
• 22 percent of the construction workforce will retire in the next 10 years.

Construction Day intends to shine a light on the diverse and talented people who work in the industry, positively affecting the lives of every Canadian. Advances in innovation, technology and best practices, such as artificial intelligence, building information modelling and the Internet of Things, are transforming the workplace. 

“Our goal is to inspire the next generation of workers – including women, youth, Indigenous and new Canadians – to make a lasting contribution to Canada,” explained Van Buren. “Their talent and creativity are welcome in this diverse and innovative industry.”

CCA has compiled a webpage with the various social media posts posted by its partner associations using the hashtag #Construction4CDNs throughout the day. Find them on www.cca-acc.com/national-construction-day.