Record number of women worked on Quebec construction sites in 2022
A record 7,218 women worked on construction sites in 2022, according to the Commission de la construction du Québec.
This compares with 6,250 in 2021. The new figures come from the CCQ's just-released report for 2022.
While the number of 7,218 seems impressive at first glance, in reality, it represents just 3.65 per cent of the total workforce in the industry.
There were just 515 in 2000, 1904 in 2010 and 2,289 in 2015.
The women who worked in the construction industry also worked more hours than in the previous year: an average of 818 hours, compared to 1,071 hours for men in 2022.
In 2021, women had worked an average of 765 hours and men had worked 1,038 hours.
The trades with the most women are painter (1,712), carpenter (1,423), labourer (1,268) and electrician (627).
They are followed by plasterers, tilers, surveyors, pipe fitters, tinsmiths and roofers.
The drop-out rate for women in the industry remains higher than for men. After one year, the drop-out rate for women is 21 per cent, compared with 13 per cent for men. After five years, the drop-out rate is 52 per cent for women and 32 per cent for men.
This is of concern to the construction commission, unions and employers. The industry has set up a Women's Equal Opportunity Program to increase women's representation on construction sites.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 2, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.