Atlantic Construction News staff writer BuildForce Canada delivers comprehensive labour market forecasts for construction trades across Canada. Here is a summary of recently published reports for At- lantic Canada. Comprehensive reports are available at constructionforecasts.ca. NEW BRUNSWICK CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY MUST FOCUS ON REBUILDING WORKFORCE Planning for major new projects will be a top priority for New Brunswick’s construction industry, as retire- ments and out-of-province projects draw on the skilled labour pool, according to BuildForce Canada. The 2014–2023 Construction and Maintenance Look- ing Forward forecast shows a moderate decline in con- struction employment over the next two years before the start of new major engineering projects create employ- ment opportunities in 2016. Across the outlook scenario, industry faces the growing challenge of an aging work- force, with as many as 6,000 skilled tradespeople or 28 per cent of the current labour force expected to retire. “Replacing retirees and building up the workforce is essential,” said BuildForce Canada executive director Rosemary Sparks. “The goal is to be ready when special- ized workers are needed for pipeline, mining, and marine terminal projects starting in 2016.” These projects may also involve recruiting New Brunswick’s skilled trades back from other provinces and/or hiring a temporary workforce from outside the province. BuildForce Canada’s forecast also shows: • Residential employment declines in line with de- creased new housing starts, with the decline par- tially offset by moderate growth in renovations work. • Proposed new major industrial and engineering proj- ects translate into strong demand from 2016 to 2018 for a selected group of trades and occupations with specialized skills and experience. • Competition for skilled labour from resource proj- ects in Western Canada, including current and new projects in Alberta and British Columbia over the near term, as well as immediate opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Spring 2014 – 23 ATLANTIC CANADA BuildForce Canada labour forecasts show increasing demand for skilled trades in Atlantic Canada