The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 290: Labour and the economy with Alex Carrick and Michael Guckes

On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes about recent strike actions and the ongoing labour crunch affecting Canada and the United States. Michael cited a recent report from the National Federation of Independent Business which cites the need for labour as the number one concern for small businesses across the United States, and Alex pointed to increased immigration as one possible safety valve for the Canadian labour crunch with the caveat that more new arrivals to Canada means a need for more housing, infrastructure and services. Warren also looks into the latest headlines on the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce, including a crane collapse in New York, a major cabinet shuffle for Justin Trudeau's liberal government and a big win for staff at an LNG Canada worker lodge in Kitimat, B.C. with an up to 40 per cent rise in pay. You can listen to The Construction Record on the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music's podcast section. Our previous episode featuring Public Services and Procurement Canada senior director of construction Siavash Mohajer about renovation of the Centre Block of Parliament here. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services Asphalt contractor fined $125,000 after pedestrian killed in work zone Trudeau announces major cabinet shakeup, seven new ministers Fire on New York construction crane causes arm to collapse and hit a building as it falls Yorkville condo features unique flatiron design with a special twist Staff at lodge for LNG workers in Kitimat, B.C., win 40% pay bump, averting strike Truck explosion in Langley, B.C., felt like an earthquake: witness PCI proposes two 39-storey towers near Port Moody SkyTrain station