While new home construction in Newfoundland and Labrador is booming, it is not uncommon now to see a six month closing date on new home construction. With a good percentage of the trades people presently working in Western Canada, some contractors are finding it difficult to recruit enough local trades people.
It is estimated that as much as10,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are working out west for companies such as Syncrude, Suncor and Flint Energy, to name a few.
An estimated 4,000 are working on a rotational basis commuting to and from the province, bringing millions of dollars to local communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Some of these commuters are staying in camps, where food, lodging and travel to and from the province are all fully paid.
Workers are drawn to jobs that often start above $100,000 per year and lots of overtime.
While it all may seem wonderful, it has to be a burden on the family structure with 20 days away and back home for 8 days of rest in a repeat cycle.
Can it last? What kind of wages would be required to keep at least some of our trades people home, and what affect will this have on the price of new construction?
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