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By Glory Przekop

GP Construction Association optimistic despite report indicating job losses

Feb 5, 2018 | 6:27 AM

The Grande Prairie Construction Association remains optimistic despite a report calling for further job losses in Alberta’s construction industry.

BuildForce Canada‘s forecasts the industry will shrink by up to 5,200 jobs through to 2019.

But Association President Leon Gullikson says there is more work here than elsewhere in the province.

“I think everybody has noticed there has been a lot more traffic, a lot of oilfield activity which is good because of course there is a lot of spin-off then. Some of our vacant buildings are starting to get rented and leased out again which is good, and we are starting to see more activity in new construction.”

The report says non-residential growth should resume next year and again in 2024 with oil and gas investment and 8,300 jobs will be added by 2027.

“With signs of a broader recovery ahead, labour markets are shifting and new job opportunities are opening up,” said Bill Ferreira, Executive Director of BuildForce Canada. “Job growth in new home and renovation work and seasonal shutdown/turnaround and maintenance work is expected to help offset some short-term employment losses.”

Gullikson adds “there are a lot of people that are sitting on the fence till they see what happens with the pipelines and a bunch of other uncertainties that are occurring, especially with the new carbon-tax levy.”

The forecast also shows:

– Growth in new residential and renovation work should add 4,500 jobs (6 percent increase), restoring residential construction employment to 2014 levels by 2021.
– As oil sands construction recovers, up to 2,500 jobs should be restored by the end of 2027.
– As many as 40,000 workers, or 19 percent of the workforce, is expected to retire over the next 10 years.

 

by Glory Przekop