Labour shortages occur when the demand for labour exceeds the existing supply of qualified workers. During the course of the three-meeting study based on M-190, the committee learned that, despite the existence of a wide array of supports for apprentices, tradespeople and industry employers, more needs to be done to address the shortage of labour in the construction industry, particularly in the GTHA.

Labour shortages in this region, the committee heard, are driven in great part by a retiring workforce and a growing demand in the construction industry. Other factors affecting the supply of workers include lack of awareness about the skilled trades as a viable career option, difficulties accessing existing supports, as well as economic barriers to labour mobility.

The committee learned that the solutions to addressing labour shortages are not simple and will require a multi-faceted approach along with the collaboration of various levels of government and industry stakeholders. Promising solutions advanced by witnesses touched upon matters related to greater awareness of the issue; skills training; and financial support for apprentices, tradespeople and industry employers. Witnesses also recommended increasing the recruitment of groups underrepresented in the construction industry (such as women, Indigenous people and new Canadians) through initiatives such as community benefit agreements and immigration programming.

Overall, the committee advanced eight recommendations with the objective of addressing the current challenges that are leading to labour shortages in the construction industry, particularly in the GTHA, and to build upon promising solutions advanced by the various witnesses who appeared before the committee. These recommendations are not only relevant to addressing labour shortages in the GTHA construction industry but could serve to alleviate the shortage of workers in other regions and industries in Canada.