First Notice: U.S. jobs; CF appointment; Quebec funding

Construction jobs drop in the U.S. in January

Construction employment in the U.S. decreased from January 2020 to January 2021 in nearly two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas, according to an analysis of government employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Project cancellations and a lack of new orders have forced firms to reduce their headcount, the association’s latest contractor survey shows.

McKenzie appointed chair of Inter Pipeline

Calgary-based Inter Pipeline Ltd. announced yesterday the retirement of Richard Shaw, chair of the board of directors, and the appointment of his previously designated successor, Margaret McKenzie. Shaw has served as chair since 2014. McKenzie has been a board member since 2015 and among other responsibilities served on the firm’s Major Projects Review Committee.

CF appoints European director

Cadillac Fairview announced yesterday the appointment of Jenny Hammarlund as managing director, head of Europe. Based in London, Hammarlund will report to CF’s EVP of investments, Duncan Osborne, and will be responsible for expanding CF’s operations in the UK and European property markets.

OCS bulletin reports on ICI investment

The latest bulletin from the Ontario Construction Secretariat released today contains the following features:

ICI investment has been stable for several months
January 2021 ICI investment is only marginally lower than in January 2020
Construction employment in Ontario has only seen slight declines in January and February despite workplace restrictions
Ontario’s overall unemployment rate fell in February.

Feds contribute to Quebec manufacturers

The federal government, through its Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions division, announced grants today totalling $250,000 to help two Quebec manufacturing firms in the Lanaudiere region to expand. Les Entreprises Daniel Goyette inc. specializes in manufacturing and installing aluminum ramps in Quebec. A $150,000 repayable grant from CED will enable the business to acquire a new building, refit its facilities and acquire and install new production equipment. Services mecanique fabrication inc. specializes in machining precision parts. A $100,000 repayable contribution will go towards acquisition and installation of a large-scale milling machine and digital control tower.