Alberta’s construction industry faces labor shortage amid housing demand

Alberta’s construction industry is grappling with a skilled labor shortage as housing demand rises due to population growth. From January to October, 37,969 new residential construction projects were initiated in the province—34% higher than the previous year—according to Statistics Canada. In October alone, Alberta recorded 4,394 housing starts, the second-highest in Canada.

The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) warned of an “unsustainable labor shortage,” stating that Alberta requires 22,000 new workers by 2033 to stabilize operations.  

To meet demand, homebuilders are exploring modular housing and automation. Artificial intelligence is also streamlining permit approvals, significantly reducing processing time.  

Ryan Scott, Avalon Master Builder CEO, noted, “Manitoba’s labor market is completely different from ours. They have people ready to work and available to work.”  

ICBA urged the federal government to prioritize construction skills through smarter immigration policies.