Women in Trades

The Ontario Construction Secretariat knows how essential it is for women to have a role in the construction industry and wanted to share a few organizations throughout the province that focus on helping women get into the trades and feel welcomed and safe in the industry.

Click here to read the special feature article by OCS Summer Student, Aeryn Varcoe.

Investment in Building Construction (August 2022)

From July to August 2022, investment in building construction was relatively stable, with changes of less than 2% in each sector. Yearly changes were somewhat higher, with the industrial sector experiencing the largest increase at 24.8%. Year-to-date investment was higher across all sectors, with the largest increase again in the industrial sector. 



Further details and analysis can be found in the full bulletin here. 

Ontario Embarks on Trades Training Modernization Journey

Efforts to modernize trades training and attract new skilled workers are ramping up in Ontario. The Ontario government announced it will be hosting career fairs this fall to address labour shortages in high-demand sectors. The apprenticeship system has also undergone a complete transformation with the launch of Skilled Trades Ontario (STO).



The first career fair kicked off this past week in Mississauga, then will be in London (Nov 9-10), Sudbury (Nov 14-15), Ottawa (Nov 22-23), and Thunder Bay (Nov 29). A virtual fair is also on its way for anyone who cannot attend in person. Find out more by visiting the governments website.

Ten Notable Mayoral Winners in Municipal Election Across Ontario

Results are in for municipal elections across Ontario. Here are the winners of some notable mayoral races.

Federal Government Moving Closer to Funding Ring of Fire Mining Roads

An internal briefing document obtained by The Narwhal shows that Ottawa has flagged Ring of Fire development as a possible ‘priority.’ Without Indigenous consent, it’s unclear what will happen next.

Building Trades Support Washroom Dignity Movement

Ontario’s Building Trades have thrown their weight behind a growing effort to bring dignity and improved hygiene to jobsites by upgrading washroom facilities.



The campaign is building on the program initiated by the BC Building Trades under the banner Get Flushed. Delegates attending the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario’s conference in Niagara Falls earlier this month approved a resolution calling for a Canada-wide washroom improvement program and meetings with Ontario Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton.

Aecon’s Women in Trades Program Seeks 350 Women by Second Quarter of 2023

The program, established in 2019, is actively recruiting women from across Ontario for ongoing cohorts. It aims to help women with little to no experience get the training they need to pursue a career in the trades with fully paid training, wages and benefits. This includes young women, women from under-represented groups and women looking for a career change.

How to Use Technology to Bridge the Gap Between Office and Onsite Staff

Information silos have always been a thorn in the side of construction business leaders. This separation is seen most clearly in the disconnect between office and onsite staff.