Canadian Roofing Contractors Association cautions skilled labour shortages remain

OTTAWA — While the attention and federal announcements concerning construction overall and housing needs are welcomed, serious labour shortages remain, cautioned Jim Facette, executive director of the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA).

The CRCA met with the minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship of Canada and departmental staff, including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), advocating for a more flexible immigration system to help meet the roofing industry labour demand, reads a release.

Immigration provides another tool in the toolbox to help resolve the serious nature of the commercial roofing labour shortage. CRCA members continue to search to meet labour needs, yet could use assistance from a more flexible and construction trade-friendly immigration system, adds the release.

“Federal efforts to boost real housing and infrastructure spending are, on the surface, welcome news. CRCA members remain very concerned about the acute nature of finding roofers,” said Facette.

“Our recent efforts include working with Talent Beyond Boundaries to provide CRCA members the opportunity to access the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot program.”