B.C. construction companies expect a year of labour shortages and historically high wage increases, according to the results of a new survey by the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA).

The survey found four out of every five B.C. construction companies (80 per cent) say they don’t have enough workers – up from last year. And 77 per cent of employers say this is their company’s single biggest challenge in 2023.

“The shortage of people is intensifying as Canada continues to go over a demographic cliff,” said ICBA president Chris Gardner. “B.C. construction companies are increasing pay and benefits, adopting new technology faster than ever, and recruiting everywhere they can – but they’re still falling short of filling positions.”

ICBA members report the average trade wage (excluding benefits, bonuses and overtime) is expected to increase by 6 per cent this year. Construction in B.C. now employs nearly 250,000 people and accounts for almost 10 per cent of the provincial GDP.

“For construction professionals, there has never been more opportunities or higher compensation,” said Gardner. “More than 90 per cent of our members expect 2023 to be as busy – or busier – than 2022. There has been no better time to pursue a career in construction than today.”

The labour shortage, supply chain issues, and growing burden of red tape has resulted in record discontent with government. Only two per cent of survey respondents said the government is on the right track in terms of how it deals with their business and more than 55 per cent said the government is on wrong track.

The survey also noted:

• Vancouver Island: 48 per cent of contractors expect more work in 2023 than last year; 83 per cent say they are short of workers, steady from 84 per cent in 2022.
• Lower Mainland: 50 per cent of contractors expect more work in 2023 than last year; 80 per cent say they are short of workers, up from 76 per cent in 2022.