Saturday, December 4, 2021 Visible Minority Journeypersons Underrepresented, Underpaid: Study Newsletters Alberta Local 63 BC Local 68 Manitoba Local 152 Ontario Construction Saskatchewan Local 151 Sectors Construction A recent study by Statistics Canada highlights the significant underrepresentation of various visible minorities in the trades. Given the shortage of workers now and expected in the future as older workers hit retirement age, this represents an opportunity for recruitment within various communities. The study looked at employment of visible minority journeypersons who completed their apprenticeships between 2008 and 2017. Men Women % of Canadian Population % Who Are Journeypersons % of Canadian Population % Who Are Journeypersons Black 3.7 1.2 3.9 2.6 Chinese 4.9 1.5 5.4 1.7 Filipino 2.3 0.9 3.1 1.3 Latin American 1.6 0.9 1.7 1.2 South Asian 6.4 2.2 6.1 3.4 Other visible minority groups 5.6 2.3 5.8 5.0 Other Key Study Findings Visible minority journeypersons are • More likely to be self-employed (12% compared to 8% of nonvisible minorities) • Less likely to be unionized • Have lower median employment income one year after certification • More likely to be trade qualifiers (successfully challenged the qualifying exam without completing an apprenticeship training program, 31% to 59% depending on minority group compared to 27% of nonvisible minorities) Where Journeypersons Are Getting Certified (Percentage) Men Women Nonvisible Minorities Visible Minorities Nonvisible Minorities Visible Minorities Atlantic Canada 6 1 3 – Quebec 34 14 25 6 Ontario 24 44 39 65 Manitoba 3 2 5 7 Saskatchewan 4 1 4 1 Alberta 18 21 17 12 British Columbia 11 18 7 9 Source: Statistics Canada You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026