b'Presidents Message OIRCABoard of DirectorsPresidentDarcy BeitesDouro Roofing Sheet MetalContractors Ltd.Past PresidentMark AgiusFlynn CanadaFirst Vice PresidentJay CampbellDean Chandler Roofing Ltd.Second Vice PresidentMike GodfreyGodfrey Roofing Inc.TreasurerMary SmithLexsuco CorporationDirectorZach PetrachekAtlas-Apex Roofing Inc.DirectorJoel DandeleDantech Building Technologies Inc.DirectorMarinos BarlasSchreiber Brothers Ltd.DirectorMark MollisonConestoga Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.DirectorRyan WarnerCovertite Eastern Ltd.DirectorDavid RauthRauth Roofing LimitedDirectorDoug MaikawaTrio Roofing Systems Inc.ONTARIO ROOFING NEWS is a market-ing and information periodical published for the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association by MediaEdge Publishing. Advertising in ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSis restricted to the member companies of OIRCA.Is the ICI Roofing Industry in OntarioPublished for:Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors AssociationFacing a Workforce Crisis? By Darcy Beites, President, OIRCA 940 The East Mall, Suite 301Etobicoke, ON l M9B 6J7Tel: (416) 695-4114 l Toll Free: 1 (888) 33-OIRCAoirca@ontarioroofing.comwww.ontarioroofing.comPublished by:M uch has been written in past issues of ORN and other constructionICI roofing requires specific skills and knowledge that may not be33 South Station St. l North York, ON l M9N 2B2industry publications about current and future labour shortages.readily available in the labour market. Installing, maintaining and ser- Tel: (866) 480-4717 l Email: robertt@mediaedge.caThis past spring, BuildForce Canada released their annual Construc- vicing roofs on ICI buildings involves working with different materials,531 Marion St. l Winnipeg, MB l R2J 0J9tion and Maintenance Looking Forward highlights reports for each Canadianunderstanding structural designs and using specialized tools and equip- Tel: (866) 201-3096 l Fax: (204) 480-4420province and territory. These reports help decision makers anticipate labourwww.mediaedgepublishing.comforce requirements and identify which trades and occupations the industry isment. The lack of individuals with the necessary expertise can make itPresident most likely to need across a 10-year forecast scenario. challenging to find qualified workers. Kevin BrownSenior Vice President l Publisher In most regions of the province, their market rankings accurately iden- Many industries, including ICI roofing, are facing an aging work- Robert Thompsontify the labour market challenges being experienced by the industrial, com- Director, Business Development mercial and institutional (ICI) roofing sector. Most rated a ranking of 4 orforce. As experienced roofers retire, there is a significant knowledge gapMichael Bellthat younger generations must fill. However, attracting younger workersBranch Manager 5 as follows: Nancie Priv4. Workers meeting employer qualifications are generally not available into the ICI roofing industry can be challenging, as it is often perceived asSenior Editor physically demanding and lacking technological advancements.Justyne Esserylocal markets to meet any increase. Employers will need to compete to attractSenior Design Specialist additional workers. Recruiting and mobility may extend beyond traditionalThe ICI roofing industry struggles with a lack of positive percep- Marisa GiesbrechtDesign Specialist sources and practices. tions among job seekers. Many people may not be aware of the careerBethany Giesbrecht5. Needed workers meeting employer qualifications are not available in localopportunities available in this field or may have misconceptions aboutNational Sales Executive markets to meet current demand, so projects or production may be delayed orPat Johnstondeferred. There is excess demand, competition is intense, and recruiting reachesthe nature of the work. This can further contribute to the difficulty inAll rights reserved. The contents of this publication may finding workers.not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, remote markets. without the prior consent of the publisher. While just about every construction trade is going to report that there isICI roofing has become a highly skilled trade utilizing advancedPublished July 2023a shortage of skilled workers, the ICI roofing industrys situation is perhapsroofing materials, complex application techniques and modern equip- Publication Agreement #40787580most bleak. Lets face it: roofing is not a glamourous trade when compared toOntario Roofing News is printed on 10%ment. OIRCA and the rest of our industry must address the challengespost-consumer FSC certified paper using soyaothers such as electricians and carpenters. Roofing, particularly in the ICI sec- based inks. When necessary to mail an issueoutlined in this column by promoting the industry as a viable careerin an enclosure, we use an environmentally-tor, involves physically demanding work. It often requires working at heights,choice that offers competitive wages, benefits and career advancementfriendly,100% oxo-degradable poly-wrap.heavy lifting and exposure to various weather conditions. These factors can opportunities. All of these aspects can and should help attract and re- Please return undeliverable copies to:discourage potential workers from entering the industry or staying in it for940 The East Mall #301, Etobicoke, ONM9B 6J7the long term. tain skilled workers to meet market demands today and in the future.8ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 2 2023 THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN'