Articles tagged with "Workforce"

The article highlights the urgent need to strengthen Canada's workforce, particularly in the skilled trades, due to impending retirements and high job openings. Canadian polytechnics, such as BCIT, are pivotal in producing job-ready graduates and creating inclusive pathways for careers in trades. To address this demand, the government and academic institutions must adopt decisive actions and foster partnerships. The upcoming expansion at BCIT's Burnaby Campus aims to enhance training capacity, significantly impacting Canada's economic growth.

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) reports significant growth in British Columbia's construction sector according to the Fall 2025 Stat Pack. There has been a 14% increase in construction trade jobs and the number of construction companies has risen to over 28,000. Women in construction trades have also increased by 5.3%, adding 600 more women to the industry. Despite inflationary challenges, the sector remains a major contributor to B.C.'s GDP, with construction costs rising by 4% over the past year.

The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has released its Fall 2025 Stat Pack, highlighting that construction material costs in British Columbia have risen by four percent year-over-year, doubling the national inflation target. Despite these increasing costs, the construction sector in B.C. remains robust with significant growth in industrial, commercial, and institutional permits. The sector continues to play a critical role in the provincial economy, accounting for 9.2% of GDP and employing 267,000 people. Additionally, the introduction of Prompt Payment legislation aims to ensure timely payments for completed work.

The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has released its Fall 2025 Stat Pack report highlighting inflationary pressures in the construction industry. Material costs have risen by 4% year-over-year, double the Bank of Canada's inflation target, adding to affordability challenges. Despite rising costs, the sector remains steady with an increase in permit values and ongoing strong employment. The introduction of Prompt Payment legislation aims to address payment delays, a move supported by BCCA.

Several companies are facing fines totaling over $184,000 following an incident in June where a worker fell due to the collapse of a rebar tower at the University of Victoria's construction site. WorkSafeBC confirmed the incident occurred on June 8 at the new engineering lab's site. These fines highlight the importance of adhering to safety regulations in construction projects.

British Columbia has introduced prompt payment legislation for its construction sector, aiming to ensure timely payments to contractors. This reform is expected to accelerate project timelines, reduce costs, and improve the construction ecosystem by eliminating hidden financing charges. The new legislation is set to benefit the entire supply chain and make the sector more resilient. Mechanical contractors have been key advocates for this change, which promises to result in more efficient and affordable infrastructure development across the province.

The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) has welcomed the provincial government's introduction of prompt payment legislation. This move is seen as a crucial reform for the construction industry, addressing payment uncertainties that have long plagued contractors in British Columbia. The legislation aims to ensure timely payments, reducing financial risks for businesses and contributing to economic stability. The BCCA emphasizes the necessity for further reforms, such as lien act modernization, to support this legislation.

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) is developing its first Reconciliation Action Plan to foster inclusivity within the construction industry. The plan aims to enhance relationships with Indigenous communities through education, partnerships, and inclusive practices. VRCA is focused on investigating areas like procurement, Indigenous art integration, and providing resources for reconciliation to its members. Members are encouraged to engage by participating in VRCA's Reconciliation Webinar Series.

The article details various hirings and promotions within the real estate and development sector in British Columbia for September 2025. Key executive moves include Darren Tangen being named President of Westbank and Erin Elliott joining Conwest Developments as CFO. The updates extend across government, brokerages, finance, and more, highlighting significant shifts in roles across multiple domains. These personnel changes could influence the operations and strategies of the involved companies.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is constructing a new Ironworker Tower on its campus in Burnaby, B.C., to replace the existing multi-storey, structural steel training facility. The tower is integral to ironworker programs and involves students assembling and dismantling it as part of their training capstone project. This initiative aims to enhance the hands-on learning experience for students.

The B.C. General Employee Union is advocating for contract language updates to accommodate approximately 4,000 members who either work from home full-time or part-time. These members are pushing to have their remote work recognized in new contract terms. This move reflects the ongoing shift towards remote work in the workforce. The union aims to secure these provisions in future agreements.

Bird Construction Inc. is set to acquire Fraser River Pile & Dredge (FRPD) for approximately $82.3 million, with the transaction expected to finalize in early 2025. FRPD, a leading marine construction and dredging company based in New Westminster, B.C., has a strong reputation for quality work across Canada. This acquisition aims to integrate FRPD's expertise into Bird's operations, enhancing its capacity to undertake large-scale projects in Canada. The merger underscores both companies' historic roles in significant Canadian infrastructure projects.