Sue Wastell, Chair of CHBA’s WIRCC
BRITISH COLUMBIA – Increasing the number of women in the residential construction sector is one of the main current focuses of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA).
The CHBA had that as the focus on their Construction Week in March, and it highlighted the achievements of women in industry with an aim of encouraging more women to explore opportunities in the industry.
Women currently make up almost half – 40 percent – of all off-site employment in the construction industry as a whole, according to BuildForce Canada. However, only 5 percent are tradespeople, with 6 percent of total tradespeople in residential construction are female. The CHBA believes more can be done to encourage and support women entering the home building and renovation trades.
The residential construction industry overall is facing significant labour shortages with 22% of workers expected to retire over the coming decade. Expanding participation from women is key to building a stronger workforce and achieving the housing targets needed to help restore affordability across the country.
CHBA’s national campaign featured leading women across the industry in CHBA member companies and offer resources for employers to help workplaces be more inclusive. CHBA also highlighted the work of its constituent home builders’ associations who are leading local and provincial mentorship programs, events, and community outreach initiatives to introduce women to careers in residential construction.
Last year, CHBA established its national Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) to further this work and more. Led by a management committee of 14 volunteer members from across the country, representing growing network of more than 260 women from across Canada, who are involved in various initiatives that reach over 1,000 women.
CHBA’s WIRCC serves as a forum for women to share experiences, shape the dialogue around the career opportunities residential construction offers, and catalyze connections locally, provincially, and nationally to build a strong network of support for women in the sector.
“Canada needs a larger, more diverse residential construction workforce to meet housing demand,” says Sue Wastell, Chair of CHBA’s WIRCC. “Women bring valuable perspectives, skills, and leadership to our industry, and we want to ensure they see residential construction as a welcoming and rewarding career path. That’s how we as residential construction professionals build stronger communities and a more resilient housing sector for the future.”
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