Construction jobs nearly unscathed in April

May 29, 2020

Construction employment in Canada largely escaped a job-loss bloodbath in April that saw a decrease of 226,700 jobs across the country, according to ADP’s Canadian National Employment Report.
A mere 300 construction jobs were lost in the month—the lowest of any sector.
Aside from Quebec, construction workers were considered an essential service in Canada during COVID-19 restrictions. Quebec allowed construction work to continue on April 20, with restrictions on distancing and hygiene.
“The labour market experienced a sharp decline in April as a result of COVID-19,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, vice president and co-head of the ADP Research Institute. “The industries hardest hit by job losses were trade, leisure and hospitality, education and finance.”