N.L. Government Unconcerned About Trade Worker Unemployment
In Newfoundland and Labrador, many commercial trade workers are facing unemployment after the completion of several major projects, including the West White Rose concrete gravity structure and Western Memorial Regional Hospital. According to Corey Parsons, the Deputy Director of Trades N.L., a staggering 74 per cent of their 14,000 members are currently out of work and left with the choice of applying for employment insurance or seeking jobs across Canada.
“We’ve recently wrapped up a couple of busy years, and now those workers are either unemployed or traveling across the country for new opportunities to get home to their families,” Parsons explained. Many have opted to chase lucrative opportunities elsewhere, which could help alleviate Ontario’s own skilled labour shortages.
While some workers are relocating for work, Parsons notes that they would prefer to stay in Newfoundland and Labrador. Unfortunately, consistent jobs may be a couple of years away as the province transitions to new projects. To prepare for the future, Trades N.L. is actively recruiting high school students to fill upcoming workforce gaps as older workers retire.
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Even though skilled tradespeople are seeking work in other provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Jobs Minister, Gerry Byrne, remains optimistic about the return of these workers. Projects like those on the Churchill River are anticipated to attract them back to the province.
Preparing for the Future
Economics professor Tony Fang from Memorial University cautions that the province should be mindful about relying too heavily on natural resource projects. He refers to this as a “winner’s curse,” where temporary jobs can distract workers, especially young individuals, from completing their education or pursuing different career paths.
As trade cycles fluctuate, it’s crucial for the province to diversify its economy. Industries such as IT, ocean technology, and tourism are on the rise, offering alternative pathways for job seekers.
For international candidates eager to work in Canada and gain Permanent Residency (PR), assessing your qualification against Canada’s labour market needs is essential. The Express Entry system prioritizes skilled individuals, and various provinces have their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) to facilitate immigration based on specific labour shortages.
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