Amid a housing affordability crisis and growing economic uncertainty, 72 per cent of B.C. contractors are facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, according to the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) 2025 Wage and Benefits Survey.
The shortage is forcing businesses to delay or turn down projects and absorb rising costs, undermining B.C.’s ability to address its housing and infrastructure needs.
The annual survey also found 63 per cent of respondents said government is on the “wrong track” in dealing with a business like theirs – only 5 per cent answered that government is on the “right track.”
“When nearly two-thirds of businesses in a major job-creating sector say the government is on the wrong track, it’s time to listen,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA president and CEO. “Labour shortages remain a significant challenge facing construction, and government must get serious about fast-tracking training programs and aligning immigration policies with industry needs.”
Despite these challenges, demand in the construction sector remains strong. Nearly 50 per cent of contractors expect increased work volumes in 2025, with average anticipated growth reaching 19 per cent. Wages in construction also remain highly competitive, with the average hourly rate climbing to $37, equating to an annual base salary of $77,000 – without bonuses, benefits or overtime factored in.
“Our industry continues to deliver, despite worker shortages, regulatory burdens, and project delays. But B.C.’s construction sector could contribute so much more if government policies enabled us to thrive,” added Gardner. “Instead, contractors and businesses get more red tape, higher taxes, and a seemingly never-ending stream of anti-business rhetoric that have many saying it’s never been harder to start and build a business in B.C. than it is today.”
The ICBA survey underscores the urgent need for the provincial and federal governments to tackle skills shortages, streamline approvals, and prioritize policies that support housing and infrastructure development.
For more results from the survey, click HERE.
