The CCQ takes stock of the Programme d'accès à l'égalité des femmes dans l'industrie de la construction from 2015 to 2021

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 31, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - The measures under the Programme d'accès à l'égalité des femmes dans l'industrie de la construction (PAEF) 2015-2024 have fostered an increase in the presence of women in the construction industry, despite the existence of persistent obstacles. This is revealed in the report on the first two phases of the program, published today by the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ).

Following deployment of phases 1 and 2 of the PAEF, both the number of women workers practising a trade or occupation in the construction industry and the number of companies hiring at least one woman rose.

In 2021, the target of at least 3% women working on construction sites was reached. Women workers numbered 6,234, or 3.27% of the total workforce, an advance over their representation of 1.49% in 2015. Today, 15% of companies in the industry employ at least one woman; this figure stood at 8% when the program was adopted.

Persistent obstacles for women
Despite this acceleration in the presence of women in recent years, their proportion in the total workforce and their numbers remain low. Persistent obstacles, notably with regard to work climate, impede their progress. In fact, a higher proportion of women (21%) than men (15%) leave the industry after one year. Women workers are concentrated in certain trades and occupations, such as painter, resilient flooring layer, and carpenter-joiner, whereas few of the targets per trade or occupation have been reached.

"The report on the first two phases eloquently illustrates the importance of the commitment of all partners to reaching the PAEF objectives," explains Diane Lemieux, CEO of the Commission de la construction du Québec. "Although there has been a perceptible change of culture, we must continue the work we've begun to counter the obstacles that are still present, especially with regard to a healthy and inclusive climate, training, and job retention. These changes will be beneficial not just to women but to the industry as a whole."

In light of the report's observations, the CCQ is continuing the work undertaken to identify, with key organizations, structural actions will make it possible to support deployment of phase 3 of the PAEF.

For more information, read the Bilan 2015-2021 du PAEF (Programme d'accès à l'égalité des femmes dans l'industrie de la construction).

About the Programme d'accès à l'égalité des femmes dans l'industrie de la construction
The Le Programme d'accès à l'égalité des femmes dans l'industrie de la construction (PAEF) 2015-2024 aims to increase the number and proportion of women practising a trade or occupation in the construction industry and thus to correct the situation of underrepresentation of women and the discrimination that they may face in the industry. The program, supported by all of the industry's stakeholders, has 11 objectives and 40 measures, 22 of which are the responsibility of the CCQ. They are articulated around three orientations: supporting women's careers, creating a favourable environment, and ensuring shared responsibility.

About the Commission de la construction du Québec
The Commission de la construction du Québec, created in 1987, is responsible for application of the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry (Act R-20), which governs the industry. It offers numerous services to the clienteles that it serves, including all aspects of vocational training, management of the workforce, and application of the construction industry's collective agreements.

For more information, visit ccq.org.

SOURCE Commission de la construction du Québec

Marie-Noëlle Deblois, Direction des affaires publiques et des communications, 514 265-6422, [email protected], Website: ccq.org, Facebook.com/ccq