As housing needs reach unprecedented heights and as our delays in upgrading our infrastructure, as well as our need for new infrastructure, become greater and greater, we must allow our industry to free itself from its constraints.
The productivity of our sector is stagnating below its potential, demand remains strong, the labor shortage persists, the training offer is insufficient and heterogeneous from one region to another, and the technological transition is slowing down. imposes itself as an unavoidable reality. Faced with these crucial issues, it is time to act in an informed and inclusive manner.
The results of a recent study carried out by the firm AppEco highlight Quebec’s productivity lag compared to other Canadian jurisdictions, with a gap of nearly 11% with Ontario in 2022. More importantly, it identifies intangible factors, such as heavy regulation, rigidity in job performance, restrictions on labor mobility and challenges in vocational training, as the main obstacles to productivity .
To meet these challenges and maximize our potential and that of our workers, it is imperative to encourage increased versatility in professions, by promoting efficiency. This approach would allow us to break down barriers between professions and place the efficiency of work organization at the heart of our concerns.
In addition, worker mobility is a key element in boosting our sector and maximizing our economic potential. By removing regional barriers, we could encourage innovation, optimize the matching of supply and demand, and stimulate healthy competition that would benefit the entire Quebec economy.
At the same time, we need to rethink our approach to professional training. This means promoting a diversified training offer, filling existing gaps, encouraging the diversification of professions and strengthening our qualified workforce to make our industry more attractive.
Finally, to remain competitive on a global scale, we must invest in innovation, research and the digital transition. Programs adapted to the realities of our industry, the promotion of innovation and an environment conducive to technological transition are essential to stimulate the competitiveness of our businesses and promote economic growth.
However, our industry is subject to complex and strict regulations. The government must at all costs focus on aspects that will concretely improve productivity, while preserving the fragile balance that unites the different stakeholders in the industry.
Let’s not kid ourselves, Law R-20, which governs our industry, is an essential pillar to guarantee the competence of workers and the efficiency of our sector. Our industry counts on one of the best trained workforces in the country and has the necessary equipment to carry out all the projects that come its way, regardless of their duration or complexity.
However, it is important to note that the last significant changes to this law were made in 1995, almost 30 years ago. The strict definition of professions and the rules for labor mobility are from another era. The modernization of Law R-20 represents a rare opportunity to rethink and strengthen our sector.
The ACQ is committed to modernizing Act R-20 by emphasizing the need to conduct this revision with caution and taking into account the particularities of our sector. However, in order to improve the performance, attractiveness and competitiveness of the construction industry, for the benefit of all Quebecers, this reform must make it possible to unleash the full potential of the Quebec of tomorrow.