Created in 2025, this fully online initiative focuses on providing clear and reliable information to help consumers better understand the risks associated with real estate transactions and the protections in place. 

“Real Estate Awareness Month is fully aligned with OACIQ’s mission to protect the public. By providing consumers with clear reference points to better understand the regulatory framework and responsibilities governing real estate brokerage, we help reduce risk situations,” said Nadine Lindsay, President and Chief Executive Officer of OACIQ. 

Content Designed for Every Stage of the Real Estate Journey 

The initiative stands out through programming structured around three key stages of the real estate journey: before, during and after a transaction. Depending on their situation, participants can access a wide range of content — including video capsules, expert‑led podcasts, explanatory resources and interactive questionnaires — covering topics such as choosing a real estate broker, the key steps in a transaction, and available recourse after completing a sale through a real estate broker. 

Support Beyond Quebec 

This initiative is part of a broader perspective addressing shared challenges related to information, prevention and public protection in the Canadian real estate sector. New Brunswick, which recognizes the value of an approach focused on clarity of information and prevention for the benefit of the public, is also supporting this initiative.  In New Brunswick, the real estate industry is co-regulated by the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick, the licensing body and regulator for the industry, and the New Brunswick Real Estate Association, which works to strengthen and promote standards of professionalism in the industry. 

“For most people, a home is the largest single purchase or investment they will make,” said Marissa Sollows, the Commission’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs. “So it’s important for people to fully understand every stage of the purchase decision.” 

“Helping people understand how the real estate industry works and their consumer rights and responsibilities is an important part of protecting consumers,” Sollows added. That’s why we’re pleased to support Real Estate Awareness Month.” 

New Brunswickers wanting to learn more about buying or selling real estate can visit fcnb.ca for more information. 

Real Estate Awareness Month takes place every year in April. 

About the OACIQ 

The Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) ensures the protection of members of the public who enlist the services of real estate brokerage professionals governed by the Real Estate Brokerage Act. It is a member of the Real Estate Regulators of Canada (RERC), a body that brings together all Canadian regulators in the area of real estate brokerage, building inspection and co-ownership property management for some provinces. 

oaciq.com /  Facebook /  LinkedIn 

For more information: medias@oaciq.com 

Media line: (1) 450 550 2160 

This recognition is first and foremost a tribute to the College’s employees, whose dedication and creativity shape a dynamic and people-focused workplace every day.

“Fifteen years of recognition reflects the passion and commitment of our teams. They drive innovation, continuously improve our practices, and help create a learning environment that is closely connected to the realities of the job market. Through their efforts, they deliver high-quality services to the entire college community and help La Cité shine,” said Lynn Casimiro, President and CEO of La Cité.

“Our employees are at the heart of our success. Their ideas and collaboration help build an inclusive and inspiring workplace. Our role is to provide them with the support and space they need to thrive and keep innovating,” added Pascal Bessette, Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Culture.

The Mediacorp Canada Inc. ranking evaluates organizations based on factors such as organizational culture, work environment, talent management, benefits, professional development, internal communications, community engagement, and equity, diversity, and inclusion practices.

At La Cité, these values guide the work of every team. This 15th recognition reflects the collective effort and commitment of all employees to grow, innovate, and create a workplace that lives up to the College’s ambitions and the expectations of its community. It is particularly meaningful this year, as La Cité also marks the fifth anniversary of its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Statement, reaffirming the College’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and representative environment for employees and students alike.

Explore opportunities to join our vibrant professional community by visiting our Careers page.

As the largest French-language College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario and outside of Quebec, La Cité puts the success of its students first, offering them more than 140 programs in facilities with leading-edge technology and a learning environment focused on practical, modern, forward-looking, experiential learning practices. In addition to having its main campus in Ottawa, La Cité also has a Skilled Trades Institute in Orléans, and has a presence in Toronto, Hawkesbury, and West Ottawa.

Media contact:

Emy Lafortune

Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Emlafor@lacitec.on.ca

Over the past semester, students and faculty worked alongside SLC’s design and manufacturing team to construct fully functional, road-ready tiny homes that reflect modern, energy-efficient, and mobile living standards. The units now stand as living demonstrations of how compact, purpose-built housing can help meet growing demands for affordability, mobility, and sustainability across Canada.

This collaboration provides students with direct immersion into the full modern residential construction cycle, from framing to systems integration, to finishes and inspection. The partnership also supports SLC’s broader mission to train the next generation of skilled talent in Canada and advance cost-effective, scalable and off-grid housing solutions.

“These completed homes represent more than a construction project; they showcase what’s possible when education and industry come together with a shared purpose,” said Aaron Markel, CEO of Small Living Company. “La Cité students have built homes that will be lived in, showcased, and used in real communities. That’s meaningful, tangible impact.”

Lynn Casimiro, President and CEO of Collège La Cité, added: “By contributing to the construction of these homes, our graduates gain a truly immersive experience as part of their academic journey. This partnership strengthens our curriculum, develops jobready skills and opens doors in one of Canada’s fastest growing sectors.”

SLC’s tiny homes feature high-efficiency insulation, mobility-ready chassis, and options for off-grid systems, including solar power, incinerating toilets, and greywater recycling. These technologies introduce students to the next wave of construction standards required for northern climates, remote communities, and affordable and sustainable building initiatives.

The completed homes will be showcased at upcoming events and may be deployed as part of SLC’s community housing initiatives.

“With more partnerships and international deployments on the horizon, this pilot reinforces why Canada must continue leading the charge in sustainable housing,” said Markel. “What we’ve proven here is that the world is ready for this technology, and Canada is ready to lead.”

About Collège La Cité

As the largest French-language College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario and outside of Quebec, La Cité puts the success of its students first and foremost, offering them more than 140 programs in facilities with leading-edge technology and a learning environment focused on practical, modern, forward looking, experiential learning practices. In addition to having its main campus in Ottawa, La Cité also has a Skilled Trades Institute in Orléans, and has a presence in Toronto, Hawkesbury, and West Ottawa.

About Small Living Company (SLC)

Small Living Company designs and manufactures sustainable, mobile tiny homes and modular living solutions for residential, commercial, and municipal applications. With operations across Canada and expansion into the U.S. and Mexico, SLC builds durable, high-performance homes engineered for extreme climates, off-grid functionality, and modern living needs. Learn more at www.smallliving.co.

Media contact:

Emy Lafortune

Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Cell: 613-277-8769

Emlafor@lacitec.on.ca

This recognition further confirms the growing leadership of InnovaCité, the College’s hub for applied research and innovation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Over the past three years, InnovaCité GÉNIElab—recently designated a Technology Access Centre—has stood out with a record number of completed research projects and the development of strategic AI partnerships, placing 2nd and 3rd in the medium-sized college category of the Research Infosource rankings.

“Our presence in this ranking reflects not only the excellence of our expertise, but also our role in developing and responsibly applying artificial intelligence to sectors such as defence, health, education, sustainable development, and digital transformation. We support businesses in their innovative projects to strengthen their competitiveness in an ever-evolving market,” says MarcAntoine Benglia, Director of InnovaCité.

Among its key collaborations, two projects particularly illustrate the strength of GÉNIElab’s applied AI expertise.

Since 2019, ING Robotic Aviation Inc., an Ottawa-based drone company, has partnered with GÉNIElab to develop advanced AI capabilities that enable autonomous takeoff and landing, real-time obstacle avoidance, and coordinated multi-drone flight. These systems represent state-of-the-art advances in applied AI for intelligent and autonomous aerial platforms.

Another example: Ross Video, a globally recognized Canadian leader in broadcast production, integrated an AI-powered computer vision system capable of automatically tracking players during live sporting events. This solution then synchronizes on-screen graphics with remarkable precision, delivering a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience.

“This distinction confirms our essential contribution to regional economic growth and to the performance of innovative businesses, while offering students authentic, hands-on learning opportunities. We continue to expand our research initiatives to maximize economic benefits for our partners and the broader community.” — Lynn Casimiro, President and CEO of La Cité

To view the full Research Infosource ranking.

About InnovaCité

InnovaCité is La Cité’s hub for applied research and innovation, where talent, expertise, and state-of-the-art facilities drive the development and commercialization of new technologies and innovative products, contributing to economic growth and the competitiveness of partner companies. InnovaCité includes four applied research centres: BIOlab, GÉNIElab, HUMAlab, and MÉDIAlab.

As the largest French-language College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario and outside of Quebec, La Cité puts the success of its students first and foremost, offering them more than 140 programs in facilities with leading-edge technology and a learning environment focused on practical, modern, forward-looking, experiential learning practices. In addition to having its main campus in Ottawa, La Cité also has a Skilled Trades Institute in Orléans, and has a presence in Toronto, Hawkesbury, and West Ottawa.

Media contact:

Emy Lafortune

Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Cell: 613-277-8769

Emlafor@lacitec.on.ca

Highlights 

After reaching a new high with 41.0 million hours worked (+4%) in 2024, the civil engineering and roads sector will see a small short-term slowdown, as new projects associated with Hydro-Québec’s Action Plan 2024 will fill order books over the next few years. The minor drop to 40.5 million hours worked (–1%) is explained by decreased spending on the road system in 2025 and 2026. 

In 2024, the industrial sector was stimulated by battery projects, for a 24% rise over 2023. In 2025, the upward trend will continue with a 14% increase in activity, which will translate into 16.5 million hours worked. There is, however, currently some uncertainty related to the battery industry.  

Investments over the last three years in the Québec Infrastructure Plan reached a peak for institutional construction in 2004, and so a small pullback of –2.1% is forecast for the institutional and commercial sector, with an anticipated 116.5 hours worked. Highrise residential construction, also included in this sector, will also slow in 2025 due to a lower number of housing starts for this kind of project, which bottomed out in 2023 and will continue to have an impact in the future. 

The residential sector will pull out of its doldrums: a 7% rise is expected with 38.0 million hours worked. Housing demand and the return of break-even interest rates will tend to drive the sector up. A total of 48,000 housing starts are also anticipated in 2025. 

The need for workers remains high 

Perspectives 2025 is forecasting more than 211.5 million hours worked in 2025, which will maintain pressure on the demand for workers. The study on the industry’s workforce needs, to be published next spring, will take account of Hydro-Québec’s Action Plan 2034 and all of the projects in the Québec Infrastructure Plan.  

“The Québec construction industry continues to show its resilience and capacity for adaptation. The outlook for 2025 confirms sustained demand, thanks especially to Hydro-Québec’s major needs for its projects and the notable rise in hours worked forecast for the residential sector. These dynamics present both challenges and opportunities for our qualified workforce. In 2024, our government adopted two key laws that will help the industry build more and better, respond to the needs of our communities, and ensure higher quality and better safety. We remain committed to working with the actors in the industry to respond to these crucial needs and support the economic vitality of our province.” 

Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour; Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region, and the Nord-du-Québec Region 

“In 2024, the industry provided Québec construction sites with 3% more hours worked than the forecast prospects (210 million vs. 202 million); if one were to picture it, this volume translates into building the equivalent of 40 La Romaine dams. A situation not seen since 1970. In 2025, we will remain vigilant, as economic activity will remain vigorous despite uncertainty in the industrial and the institutional and commercial sectors. That is why the CCQ is taking note of the ambitious order book for the coming year by reiterating its commitment to continue working with all industry stakeholders to provide a sufficient number of skilled workers on Québec construction sites.” 

Audrey Murray, CEO of the Commission de la construction du Québec 

Download the CCQ’s publication Perspectives 2025  

Source:

Johanne Brunet

Direction des affaires publiques et des communications

514 237-6250

medias@ccq.org

Website: ccq.org 

Facebook.com/ccq 

Trois-Rivières, November 13, 2024 /RMC /— Today, in Trois-Rivières, the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ), alongside the First Nations and Inuit and the partners in the industry, is launching the Construction Industry Action Plan for the Inclusion of First Nations and Inuit during the 5th Indigenous Peoples and Québec Regional Economic Circle.

“At the centre of this historic moment of economic and social reconciliation, the CCQ nurtured an essential dialogue between the First Nations peoples and the Inuit, the employer and union associations, and governmental bodies. The 24 measures in the action plan, some of which are already in place, are a guarantee of success in responding appropriately to deliver on the ambitious order book for Québec and to build it together.”

— Audrey Murray, CEO of the CCQ

In April 2019, the CCQ launched a major collaborative project for inclusion of the First Nations and Inuit in the construction industry. Its objectives are to provide an appropriate overall response to the demands expressed by the First Nations and Inuit and to enable the CCQ to coordinate structured efforts with the industry’s partners through formulation of the Construction Industry Action Plan for the Inclusion of First Nations and Inuit.

Act to modernize the construction industry

In adopting the Act to modernize the construction industry last spring, the Québec government made it possible to establish measures dedicated to Indigenous communities. By doing so, the government has encouraged better representativeness by members of First Nations and Inuit communities in the construction industry. Easier access, greater mobility, and involvement in referrals for First Peoples workers are also set out in the law.

“Certain aspects of the Construction Industry Action Plan for the Inclusion of First Nations and Inuit being launched today have been accelerated by the coming into force of Act 19, which includes the framework necessary for the CCQ to move ahead with the various measures. This is great progress for Québec and for First Nations peoples and Inuit. I offer my congratulations to all the actors involved, who collaborated in good faith to contribute to the writing of this plan.”

—Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour and minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region, and the Nord-du-Québec Region

Some of the Plan’s 24 measures:

• To promote the diversification of vocational choices and entrepreneurship in construction, and to recognize the participation of Indigenous workers and companies
• To offer a client experience adapted to First Nations and Inuit
• To adapt the study programs’ teaching and learning processes to the needs of the communities in order to encourage academic success
• To guide and equip the partners to facilitate networking between workers seeking jobs and companies
• To create the CCQ Eeyou Istchee Baie-James work region and implement special measures for Nunavik.

Target for 2034The plan aims to have 1% of workers on construction sites subject to Act R-20 be First Nations people and Inuit. Currently, the proportion is 0.38%.

“The plan proposes balanced solutions that value the interests of all parties involved. Thanks to a constructive approach, open dialogue, and a shared vision, we have successfully met the challenges. The result is a strategic and inclusive plan that reflects the diversity of the voices and points of view of our committee and the stakeholders.”

— The members of the Plan’s advisory committee, representing all First Nations and Inuit communities of Québec

“With a single voice, the union and employer associations salute this exemplary alliance, which is in continuity with a construction industry that is more inclusive and respectful of Québec’s diversity. The construction industry partners, the Cree Nation Government, and the Jamesians have accomplished a major breakthrough by collaborating, hand in hand, to create the CCQ Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region. This process demonstrates our collective capacity to listen to the First Nations and Inuit and to respond to their needs. Thanks to remarkable cooperation by everyone concerned, we have built a unifying and respectful project, marked by great openness and recognition of different realities.”

— All of the union and employer associations in the construction sector working under Act R-20

Consult : CCQ’s Construction Industry Plan for the Inclusion of the First Nations and Inuit here

• Union associations: Conseil provincial du Québec des métiers de la construction – International (CPQMCI), Centrale des syndicats démocratiques – Construction (CSD-Construction), Confédération des syndicats nationaux – Construction (CSN-Construction), Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec – Construction (FTQ-Construction), Syndicat québécois de la construction (SQC)
• Employer associations: Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ), Association des constructeurs de routes et grands travaux du Québec (ACRGTQ), Association des entrepreneurs en construction du Québec (AECQ), Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ), Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ), Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ)

About the Commission de la construction du Québec 

The Commission de la construction du Québec, created in 1987, is responsible for application of the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training, and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20), which governs the industry. It offers numerous services to the clientele it serves, including all aspects of vocational training, workforce management, and support for the construction industry’s labour relations.

Source:

Johanne Brunet

Direction des affaires publiques et des communications

514 237-6250

medias@ccq.org 

Website: ccq.org 

Facebook.com/ccq 

"As President of the Board, I would like to welcome Mr. Daignault to his new role and express our confidence in him. We look forward to working with him and his team on the important matters concerning the well-being of our tenants," said Mr. Duncan. The new Director General is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to improving housing in Nunavik. "It is with humility, pride, and determination that I accept my appointment as Director General of the NHB. I would like to thank the entire team as well as the Board members for the trust they have placed in me. Having been with the organization for almost four (4) years, I am committed to continuing our efforts toward achieving our objectives and tenant satisfaction, supported by the leadership team and all NHB employees."

Lupin Daignault has spent over 10 years in the social housing sector and is highly motivated by this mission. His vision is based on the values of the NHB. Sharing similar challenges with other housing organizations, he recognizes that the issues are common and call for close collaboration among leaders.

The new Director General will work with his management team to continue the various mandates already underway.

About the Nunavik Housing Bureau

The Nunavik Housing Bureau is a non-profit organization that, with over 4,000 housing units and the support of a dedicated team of approximately 250 employees (75% of whom are Inuit), spread across 14 satellite offices, provides 98% of the Inuit population with comfortable, safe, and affordable housing, adapted to their needs and culture.

For any information requests, please contact:

Patrice St-Amour                                                            Maude Bouthillette

Director of Communications                                  Communications Officer

819-964-2000 ext. 276                                           819-964-2000 ext. 227

communication@ohnunavik.ca

The final results were preceded by the preliminary results released on July 2; workers had until July 26 to contest the allegiance that was confirmed to them by notification. 

After counting the 30,529 ballots received, here are the official results of union representativeness that will apply starting on September 1, 2024: 

To consult the detailed results by trade/occupation and by region: Associations syndicales (ccq.org) 

The union representativeness of the different associations determines the relative weight of each one when it is time to ratify the collective agreements at the end of the negotiations following the vote.  

Participation 

There were 211,405 workers called upon to choose their union allegiance, which will be in force for the next three years.  

Out of this number, 143,306 individuals had the status of voter. This status means that their vote was counted in the calculation of union representativeness. To have voter status, a person must hold a competency certificate and have worked 300 or more hours during the period defined by the law – that is, for about one year preceding the vote. 

The overall participation rate was 14.44%, compared to 15.75% in 2020. 

The participation rate of those with voter status was 16.41%. This was lower in comparison to the 2020 vote, for which the rate was 17.43%. 

It should be noted that workers who did not exercise their right to vote had their union allegiance in force at the time of the vote automatically renewed for the following three years. This is called “presumption of allegiance.” 

The CCQ’s role in a union vote 

During a union vote, the CCQ is responsible for ensuring that the process runs smoothly, in compliance with the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20) and the Regulation Respecting the Election of a Representative Association by Employees of the Construction Industry. 

For more information on the union vote, visit www.ccq.org/scrutinsyndical. 

About the Commission de la construction du Québec  

The Commission de la construction du Québec, created in 1987, is responsible for application of the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training, and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20), which governs the industry. It offers numerous services to the clientele it serves, including all aspects of vocational training, workforce management, and support for the construction industry’s labour relations. 

For more information, visit ccq.org. 

Source:

Johanne Brunet

Direction des affaires publiques et des communications

514 237-6250

medias@ccq.org 

Website: ccq.org 

Facebook.com/ccq 

In 2024, $647 million will be distributed to almost 200,000 workers in the Québec construction industry. These payments, from the Fonds d’indemnités de congés annuels obligatoires et de jours fériés chômés administered by the CCQ, represent 13% of the salary earned by employees during each work week between July and December 2023.

The full table of the amounts paid out and the number of cheques issued per region is available on the CCQ’s website.

This annual break, enshrined in the collective agreements, is obligatory for the construction industry as a whole, in all sectors. However, there are exceptions to the summer holiday, including a large part of the work on civil engineering and roads. In addition, emergency work, repairs, maintenance, renovations, and modifications may continue. In total, about 80% of the workforce, employees and employers, is on vacation during these two weeks.

A high volume of activity again this year

In 2023, activity on construction sites once again rose above 200 million hours worked. Because of this, the number of employees has remained stable at 197,179, and 27,606 employers are active in the industry. In this context, the need for workers in the trades and occupations will remain high.

Professional prospects are therefore excellent for construction employees as a whole, and the issue of recruitment is once again a core challenge for the industry. It is anticipated that the volume of hours will stay above 200 million until 2028, which sets the annual need for 17,000 new workers on the market for the next four years.

“After more than fifty years, this summer pause remains tradition that stretches well beyond the construction industry,” stated Audrey Murray, CEO of the CCQ. “It marks a well-deserved break for more than a quarter of the workforce in Québec and has good economic benefits, especially for the tourism industry. I would like to wish the construction workers and contractors, mainly in the commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential sectors, an excellent vacation and remind them to be safe in their activities and on the road.”

About the Commission de la construction du Québec

The Commission de la construction du Québec, created in 1987, is responsible for application of the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20), which governs the industry. It offers numerous services to the clienteles that it serves, including all aspects of vocational training, management of the workforce, and application of the construction industry’s collective agreements.

For more information, visit ccq.org.

Source :

Johanne Brunet

Direction des affaires publiques et des communications

514 237-6250

medias@ccq.org

Site Web : ccq.org

Facebook.com/ccq

“The union vote is an important democratic exercise,” stated Audrey Murray, CEO of the CCQ. “It enables workers to choose the union association that will represent them for the coming years. The vote will also determine union representativeness – the relative weight of each association – when it is time to ratify the next collective agreements; the current agreements will end on April 30, 2025. I would like to underscore the work by the CCQ’s teams who ensured that the vote ran smoothly and saw to a healthy workplace environment during the raiding and voting periods.”

With counting of the 30,529 ballots received completed, here are the preliminary results regarding union representativeness that will apply starting on September 1:

Participation

There were 211,405 workers called upon to choose their union allegiance, which will be in force until the next vote.

Of this number, 143,306 individuals had the status of voter. This status means that their vote was used in the calculation of union representativeness. To have the status of voter, a person must hold a competency certificate and have worked 300 or more hours during the period set out by law: about a year preceding the vote.

The overall participation rate was 14.44%, compared to 15.75% in 2020.

The participation rate of individuals with the status of voter was 16.41%. This was a drop in comparison to the 2020 vote, for which the rate was 17.43%.

It should be noted that workers who did not exercise their right to vote had their union allegiance in force at the time of the vote automatically renewed. This is called “presumption of allegiance.”

The CCQ’s role in a union vote

During a union vote, the CCQ is responsible for ensuring that the process runs smoothly, in compliance with the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20) and the Regulation Respecting the Election of a Representative Association by Employees of the Construction Industry.

For more information on the union vote, visit www.ccq.org/scrutinsyndical.

About the Commission de la construction du Québec

The Commission de la construction du Québec, created in 1987, is responsible for application of the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training, and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20), which governs the industry. It offers numerous services to the clientele it serves, including all aspects of vocational training, workforce management, and support for labour relations in the construction industry.

For more information, visit ccq.org.

Source :

Marie-Noëlle Deblois
Direction des affaires publiques et des communications
514 265-6422
medias@ccq.org
Site Web : ccq.org
Facebook.com/ccq

For the 2024–28 period, these recruitment needs cover both replacement needs and needs created by the growth in hours worked. This is a rise of 1,000 people in comparison to last year’s forecast. New this year: workforce needs are now presented both quantitatively and qualitatively, for all trades and for all regions.  

In the current economic context, the CCQ intends to put into play data and analyses that not only will be useful for a fuller understanding the economic context for construction but will also enable the CCQ and its partners to offer strategies adapted to the needs; in this case, the objectives sought are better job retention, ways to attract more graduates to the construction trades, and greater employment of immigrants. 

Average annual workforce needs are established in relation to predicted demand, worker turnover, the evolution of worker ageing, worker availability, and graduation levels in the trades. The current projection is based on the CCQ’s most recent forecast, made in 2023, and covers work subject to Act R-20, which excludes residential renovations. Certain investments by Hydro-Québec are related to its Plan d’action 2035. The CCQ’s projections will be adjusted as announcements are made by Hydro-Québec.   

Excellent vocational prospects  

The high level of economic activity projected for coming years puts pressure on the demand for qualified workers in the construction industry. Although needs are high throughout Québec, the Greater Montréal, Québec City, and Mauricie–Bois-Franc regions will be particularly affected.  

“These data confirm that there will be a need for workers for a number of years to come and that the modernization undertaken by our government is necessary,” stated Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region, and the Nord-du-Québec Region. “The measures proposed, including building a versatile and mobile workforce, will make it possible to reduce construction delays, lower costs, and ensure a better match between Québec’s construction capacity and the immense needs.” 

"The construction sector will be looking for around 9% of its projected workforce over the next few years, when almost 200,000 workers will be on the job sites, explains Audrey Murray, CEO of the CCQ. These figures are comparable to other economic sectors. Over the coming months, we will continue to improve our measurement of needs. In 2023, we welcomed 3,950 new construction graduates, out of nearly 15,700 new employees. Strategies to attract, retain and train the workforce we need will have to be bold and agreed with key partners. Intensifying the use of work-study programs is already emerging as an avenue to be favored. The CCQ will be on hand to implement appropriate solutions." 

Consult the CCQ’s publication Perspectives régionales dans l’industrie de la construction 2024-2028. 

Source :

Marie-Noëlle Deblois

Direction des affaires publiques et des communications

514 265-6422

medias@ccq.org

Site Web : ccq.org

Facebook.com/ccq

Following analysis of the survey results, which brought to light that one person in 10 had been a victim of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment in the workplace, all of the industry’s partners agreed to implement concrete actions:

• A major communication campaign will be deployed to ensure a better understanding of what constitutes cases of discrimination, intimidation, and harassment and to encourage reporting of such incidents.
• The services offered by the CCQ to victims in these situations will be enhanced, notably the Ligne Info-ressources discrimination, intimidation, harcèlement phone line.
• An action plan to fight against discrimination, intimidation, and harassment will be adopted.

About the survey

In spring 2023, Léger conducted a major survey among more than 10,700 employees and 2,400 employers in the construction industry. The survey’s conclusions highlight the existence of behaviours that require strong and concerted action on the part of all stakeholders.

Consult the report on the situation of discrimination, intimidation, and harassment in the industry.

To learn about the resources available in cases of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment, visit ccq.org or the websites of the industry’s associations.

• Union associations:
  • Conseil provincial du Québec des métiers de la construction – International (CPQMCI)
  • Centrale des syndicats démocratiques – Construction (CSD-Construction)
  • Confédération des syndicats nationaux – Construction (CSN-Construction)
  • Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec – Construction (FTQ-Construction)
  • Syndicat québécois de la construction (SQC)

• Employer associations:
  • Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ)
  • Association des constructeurs de routes et grands travaux du Québec (ACRGTQ)
  • Association des entreprises en construction du Québec (AECQ)
  • Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ)
  • Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ)
  • Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ)

Source:

Marie-Noëlle Deblois
Direction des affaires publiques et des communications
514 265-6422
medias@ccq.org
Site Web : ccq.org
Facebook.com/ccq

The process and rules for the union vote are governed by the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20) and the Regulation Respecting the Election of a Representative Association by Employees of the Construction Industry. The Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) is responsible for ensuring that the vote runs smoothly.

An exercise that determines union representativeness

To perform work subject to Act R-20, workers must join one of the five union associations recognized under this law when they join the industry. During each vote, they can choose to change their union allegiance.

The vote also determines union representativeness for the subsequent negotiation of the industry’s collective agreements. The votes that are accrued to establish this representativeness must come from holders of a competency certificate who have worked 300 or more hours during the period defined by the law: from February 26, 2023, to February 24, 2024. For the 2024 vote, 143 306 voters fulfil these criteria.

Workers who do not exercise their right to vote will have their existing union allegiance automatically renewed for the new period. This is called “presumption of allegiance.”

The steps following the voting period

Following the voting period, the CCQ will count the votes and send out notices confirming allegiance choice, whether the right to vote has been exercised or not. It is possible to contest the union allegiance given on the notice received within 30 days following the end of the vote count.

The official results that will determine the representativeness of each of the five union associations will be known in August.

Marcel Blanchet is the chief returning officer

The CCQ’s board of directors has appointed Marcel Blanchet to be chief returning officer for the 2024 union vote. Blanchet is acting in this capacity for the fourth time, having been the chief returning officer for the union election in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

A lawyer by training, Blanchet was the chief electoral officer of Québec from 2000 to 2010. In this position, he administered three general elections and more than 30 by-elections.

Blanchet’s experience, integrity, and general probity make him, once again, the best candidate to independently administer the 2024 union election. Visit www.ccq.org/scrutinsyndical for all the details on the union vote. The page includes an explanatory video summarizing the steps to take to vote and the mistakes to avoid so that a ballot won’t be rejected during the vote count.

About the Commission de la construction du Québec

The Commission de la construction du Québec, created in 1987, is responsible for application of the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training, and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20), which governs the industry. It offers numerous services to the clientele it serves, including all aspects of vocational training, workforce management, and application of the construction industry’s collective agreements. For more information, visit ccq.org.

Source:

Marie-Noëlle Deblois

Direction des affaires publiques et des communications

514 265-6422

medias@ccq.org

Site Web : ccq.org

Facebook.com/ccq

A seasoned college, university and hospital leader with 17 years' experience in senior management positions, Ms. Casimiro's experience includes Executive Director of the Academic Health Council at the University of Ottawa, Director of Education at the Institut du Savoir Montfort, and researcher at the Institut de recherche of Montfort Hospital. She has been Vice-President, Academic and Student Success at Collège La Cité since 2016, where she led with success several major strategic projects. Born in Ottawa, detaining a PhD in Education from the University of Ottawa, and a proud FrancoOntarian, Ms. Casimiro is passionate about education and supporting Canada's French-speaking minority language communities; she is also playing a leadership role within the Ontario college system. Her doctoral training in adult education and her numerous publications and public communications make her a popularizer of complex subjects, bringing people together towards a common vision.

"The selection committee was very impressed by Ms. Casimiro's candidacy," declared Lise Cloutier, Chair of La Cité's Board of Governors. "We are confident that we have chosen the right leader to take over Collège La Cité. I am convinced that Lynn has all the skills needed to lead the College to new heights, building on the work accomplished by her predecessor, Lise Bourgeois."

As a result of an exhaustive six-month recruiting process, the Board of Governors approved unanimously Ms. Casimiro’s appointment during a special Board meeting on April 12th, 2024.

"It is with great enthusiasm that I have accepted the position of President and CEO of Collège La Cité," mentioned Lynn Casimiro. I am eager to put all my expertise and passion to work to ensure the continued success of the student community, serve the Franco-Ontarian community and meet the needs of employers. In my view, La Cité has always been a pillar of the Franco-Ontarian community and of the francophone Canadian College system. I'm thrilled to be able to continue working at La Cité with the amazing college team to carry out the mission and major orientations defined by the Board of Governors."

Ms. Casimiro will begin her term on July 1st, 2024, following the retirement of Ms. Lise Bourgeois. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would also like to extend my gratitude to Lise Bourgeois for her leadership and exceptional work over the past 14 years. I wish her all the best in this new phase of her life," added Lise Cloutier.

As the largest French-language College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario and outside of Quebec, La Cité puts the success of its students first and foremost, offering them more than 140 programs in facilities with leading-edge technology and a learning environment focused on practical, modern, forward-looking experiential learning practices. In addition to having its main campus in Ottawa, La Cité also has a Skilled Trades Institute in Orléans, a satellite campus in Toronto, in Hawkesbury and in Ottawa West. 

For information:
Pascale Montminy
Director, Communications, Public and Government Relations
613 316-1377
pmontm@lacitec.on.ca
www.collegelacite.ca

Activity by sector

Once again, the residential sector will be the most affected by the slowdown in activity predicted for the coming year. As housing starts dropped in 2022 and 2023, the sector will decline by 32.0 million hours, or 12%. However, the need for housing will stimulate the sector to grow again once the economic situation recovers.

Overall, 114.0 million hours worked are forecast for the institutional and commercial sector, a drop of 4.2% from 2023. The fallout from high interest rates, tighter credit, and rising construction costs will be felt more strongly in 2024, mainly in the commercial sector.

In 2024, forecasts for the industrial sector are very positive, with a significant 25% increase in hours worked. Québec’s expanding battery industry is largely responsible for this rise.

The civil engineering and roads sector will continue growing in 2024, with an expected 3% rise. Hours worked will reach 41.0 million, thanks mainly to projects related to roads, transportation infrastructure, and transmission line construction.

Overall, it is forecast that 202 million hours will be worked in 2024.

The need for workers will remain high

Economic activity remains at a high level, keeping pressure on the demand for workers. In this regard, as we recall, the CCQ anticipates an annual need for about 16,000 new workers, on average, from now to 2027.

A renewed collaboration between the CCQ and Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec recently unveiled its Action Plan 2035: Towards a Decarbonized and Prosperous Québec, a forward-looking plan designed to decarbonize Québec while contributing to its prosperity. The labour shortage in construction presents a serious challenge to the attainment of the plan’s objectives.

This is why the CCQ and Hydro-Québec intend to work together more closely to refine the analyses on labour-need estimates related to major projects and to establish measures to support their completion.

“Again this year we are observing important needs in the construction sector,” stated Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region, and the Nord-du-Québec Region. “These figures clearly demonstrate the necessity for the modernization of the industry that our government is undertaking. Having a versatile, mobile workforce will be critical to the future of the Québec economy. In this perspective, the coming collaboration between the CCQ and Hydro-Québec is excellent news.”

“In 2024, despite an anticipated downturn in the residential sector, the economic outlook for industry will remain high. This high level of activity puts pressure on the demand for sufficient numbers of skilled workers. Over the coming months, I will be working closely with the CCQ's partners to propose and implement innovative solutions in response to this strong demand. The renewed partnership between the CCQ and HQ is part of this momentum. Our organizations are working together to ensure the success of Action Plan 2035 - Towards a low-carbon, prosperous Quebec. It is therefore with great conviction that the CCQ embarks on this collaboration to ensure a common understanding of the labour needs that will be required” noted Audrey Murry, CEO of the CCQ.

“To reach the ambitious targets related to the decarbonization and economic growth of Québec, access to a qualified workforce in the construction industry will be a major challenge,” added Michael Sabia, CEO of Hydro-Québec. “We must ensure that as many people as possible will be able to participate and that we have the tools to make our construction sites even more productive and safer. We are entering into this collaboration with the certainty that there are solutions to guarantee the success of this society-wide project that we must tackle together, with openness.”

As we recall, Hydro-Québec has announced investments on the order of $150 billion for asset consolidation and project development between now and 2035.

Download the CCQ publication Perspectives 2024.

Source:

Marie-Noëlle Deblois

Direction des affaires publiques et des communications

514 265-6422

medias@ccq.org

Website: ccq.org 

Facebook.com/ccq 

Motigenix Inc. is investing over $1.8 million to gain access to a College research laboratory for five years, and to acquire a microscope with exceptional capabilities - the only one of its kind in the Greater National Capital Region.

"Thanks to Motigenix's support, future graduates of the Collège's Specialized Biotechnology Baccalaureate program will be able to live an exceptional authentic experience, being the only college graduates in Canada to have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with this state-of-the-art equipment during their academic career," said Lise Bourgeois, President and CEO of La Cité. "I'm very proud of this partnership and grateful to the pharmaceutical company."

As for the new R&D laboratory, it will be used in collaboration with Motigenix and La Cité's Technology Access Centre in Bio-Innovation (TAC-B). This research partnership came about naturally, thanks to the expertise of TAC-B's research staff in cell biology and disease studies.

"With a focus on practical applications and impact, La Cité's research projects not only contribute to the enrichment of academic knowledge but also drive real-world changes in various sectors. Their extensive collaboration with industry professionals ensures the relevancy and applicability of their research, further reinforcing La Cité's standing as a leading research institution. We believe that our shared commitment to driving real-world changes in the pharmaceutical sector could potentially lead to significant advancements in the field," declared Mohsen Amir, President and CEO of Motigenix.

The LSM 980 AiryScan confocal microscope from Zeiss is the equipment of choice for identifying new drugs. It enables the visualization of molecular mechanisms at the sub-cellular level in three dimensions, in real time and at high throughput. This equipment has been carefully selected for its versatility, as well as for the features of interest that make it a unique microscope on the market:

1. high sensitivity for organelle visualization, enabling images to be obtained over long periods with little or no heat release;
2. high resolution to examine multiple subcellular mechanisms in parallel in real time, thanks to five laser beams;
3. Zeiss proprietary AI-based software for processing large quantities of acquired data.

To visit Collège La Cité's Office of Research and Innovation website, go to: https://www.collegelacite.ca/bri

As the largest French-language College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario and outside of Quebec, La Cité puts the success of its students first and foremost, offering them more than 140 programs in facilities with leading-edge technology and a learning environment focused on practical, modern, forward-looking experiential learning practices. In addition to having its main campus in Ottawa, La Cité also has a Skilled Trades Institute in Orléans, a satellite campus in Toronto, in Hawkesbury and in Ottawa West.

Information :

Pascale Montminy

Director, Communications, Public and Government Relations

613 316-1377

pmontm@collegelacite.ca

www.collegelacite.ca

The vacation is obligatory for the construction industry as a whole, in all sectors. However, there are exceptions to this summer holiday, including a large part of the work on civil engineering and roads. In addition, emergency work, repairs, maintenance, renovations, and modifications may continue. In total, about 80% of the workforce, employees and employers, is on vacation during these two weeks.

A historic level of activity

The year 2022 was very busy on the province’s construction sites, as activity reached a new high of 210.2 million hours declared. This is a rise of 7% over the preceding year and a historic peak for the construction industry subject to Act R-20. In this context, 197,925 employees and 27,219 employers were active in the industry.

The year 2023 began with increased activity despite the economic conjuncture, with 40.5 million hours registered in the first quarter, up 5.3% over last year. A survey conducted among the industry’s contractors, however, indicates that the volume of work may drop in coming months.

Watch out for heatstroke

The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) would like to remind those who will be working on construction sites during the vacation period to be particularly careful on hot days. To avoid heatstroke, preventive measures concerning working in the heat must be applied.

The employer must apply preventive measures, including:

• Put off physically demanding tasks that are not essential
• Inform all workers and supervisors – current, new, temporary, and students – about the risks of heatstroke, preventive measures, signs, symptoms, and first aid
• Provide adequate supervision of workers
• Ensure that at-risk workers take a break of a specific duration every hour and increase the duration of the break as the heat rises
• Ensure that workers take their breaks in air-conditioned or shady places
• Provide workers with sufficient quantities of cool water, ensure that they have access to it and that they drink (plan for at least one glass every 20 minutes or more frequently, according to the recommendations of the Corrected Air Temperature calculator)
• Adjust the pace of work according to the temperature

To find out more, visit the CNESST website, cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/chaleur.About the Commission de la construction du Québec

The Commission de la construction du Québec, created in 1987, is responsible for application of the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20), which governs the industry. It offers numerous services to the clienteles that it serves, including all aspects of vocational training, management of the workforce, and application of the construction industry’s collective agreements.

For more information, visit ccq.org.

About the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail

The CNESST provides employers and workers with a single entry point and integrated expertise with regard to labour standards, pay equity, and occupational health and safety. It has a joint governance structure. Its main mission is to manage the Fonds de la santé et de la sécurité du travail, an entirely self-financed fund of which it is the trustee.

For more information, visit cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en.

Source:

Commission de la construction du Québec

Direction des affaires publiques et des communications

514 265-6422

medias@ccq.org

Website: ccq.org

Facebook.com/ccq

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail

Direction générale des communications

1 866 966-4705

"The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed existing inequalities within our society, but it has also highlighted the resilience of low and modest-income populations. The Resilience Project has demonstrated that these populations exhibit a great deal of creativity in adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic," says Sandy Torres, researcher at the Observatoire québécois des inégalités and project manager of the Resilience Project.

Among the main results of an online survey conducted after more than a year of the pandemic:

• 2 out of 3 people experienced difficulties related to the pandemic, particularly regarding their mental or physical health and personal finances.
• Women living in households among the bottom 40% were significantly more concerned about their mental health than men surveyed.
• Immigrants were more likely to report difficulties in terms of physical health.
• Minorities were also more likely to feel isolated from others.

The study also highlighted various manifestations of resilience in the pandemic context among people interviewed. In particular, the use of various adaptation strategies such as reducing current expenses, reorganizing the family budget, getting involved in the community, and seeking community support.

What now?

"These results could guide future public policies to create a fairer and more equitable society for all," proposes Nathalie Guay, Executive Director of the Observatoire québécois des inégalités. She adds, "They show that it is essential to strengthen support for more vulnerable individuals while caring for the resilience of their environment."

About the Observatoire québécois des inégalités 

Based at the University of Montreal, the Observatoire québécois des inégalités is a knowledge broker that provides popularized scientific knowledge to enlighten reflections and decision-making concerning income, opportunity, and quality of life inequalities.

For information

Marianne Castelan, Communications and Public Affairs Manager

438 495-7416

m.castelan@observatoiredesinegalites.com

The Observatoire québécois des inégalités would like to thank the following organizations for their financial support for this project:

• Government of Quebec
• Canadian Union of Public Employees
• Énergir
• Caisse de dépôts et placements du Québec

They can now enjoy a one-stop shop for the publication of press releases and the monitoring and analysis of the media coverage generated.

Luc Tremblay, CEO of Référence Média, unveiled the new service this morning in a videoconference with company employees.

This service consists of publishing press releases on the Référence Média wire service, a personalized mailing list of journalists according to topic, the monitoring of print and audiovisual media as well as the quantitative and qualitative analysis of media hits. The service is available as of today across Quebec and in major Canadian cities.

Quotes

"What we have here today is the result of sixteen months of hard work. Référence Média has just made its service offering more complete by becoming the partner of choice for clients looking for an all-round media solution,” said Luc Tremblay, CEO of Référence Média.

“With this press release platform, Référence Média is embracing technological advances to serve its clients by combining publication, monitoring and analysis. All this without losing the human touch thanks to our analysts who ensure the relevance of the results obtained.” said Alexandre Segura, General Director of Référence Média.

About Référence Média

Référence Média is a company specializing in press reviews, media monitoring, analysis, and now, press releases. We’ve been active in this field since 2008, when the company was founded. We serve clients in the public and private sectors.

SOURCE: Référence Média

Information:

Alexandre Segura, General Director
(438) 340-3150
alexandre.segura@refmedia.ca