The housing market in Canada has seen its share of ebbs and flows in the past few years, but one thing that remains a constant is the unequivocal need for a strong team of skilled and dedicated workers.

John Hrynkow, an Edmonton-area builder who took up the position as president of the Canadian Home Builders' Association in April 2008, said that "Our industry has been dealing with a chronic and growing shortage of skilled people for some time now." The message is clear: the average age of tradespeople is reaching retirement age, and there is an active recruitment effort in effect by several provinces trying to fill the gap.

In Calgary, housing companies and building trades have been teaming up with Calgary Board of Education schools offering summer mentorship programs, Registered Apprenticeship Program opportunities, on-the-job training, in an attempt to instigate changes in the curriculum that will entice students and those new to the workforce.

Hrynkow says that although the issue of labour shortages has been looming for some time, the federal government has generally been slow to recognize that resolute action must be taken. Recently, the situation has been addressed by federal officials who have attempted to alleviate the shortage by providing the provinces with resource assistance.

Meanwhile, as the federal government has taken steps to improve and modernize Canada's immigration system, Hrynkow thinks this is just the beginning in terms of steps towards improvement, and much remains to be done. Steps that still need to be taken include new bilateral Labour Market Agreements between the federal and provincial governments that address the distinct skill needs of the industry. These agreements should include accountability provisions and performance indicators for residential construction.

"These are key areas where effective government action is critical," says Hrynkow. "The strength of our industry, and our capacity to innovate, relies on skilled people."