Fixing Canada's Trade Shortage
Canada's major builders are funding high school programs to fix a hidden crisis before public and private construction projects grind to a halt.
What the video says
Less than 1% of Canadian immigrants enter construction trades. To address this shortage, PCL Construction is contributing $500,000 to sponsor a national educational initiative.
The project, called That Could Be Me, reaches 12,500 Canadian high schools to promote skilled trade careers. PCL Chief Executive Chris Gower warns that subdued private investment is masking the true labor deficit.
He is urging leaders to standardize trade certifications and improve interprovincial worker mobility. Action is crucial, as public infrastructure now drives 80% of all Canadian construction.
