Permit values rose by a whopping 25.6 percent in 2021, but that increase was largely driven by soaring costs for materials and labour.

Faces with projected shortfalls of workers in the tens of thousands, the federal government has launched a website and an advertising campaign to encourage more young people to join the skilled trades.

Three teams have been shortlisted for design and construction of the facility. Contractors involved include Ball Construction, TESC Construction, EllisDon and PCL.

The York Memorial Collegiate Institute building in Toronto was badly damaged by fire three years ago. Funding from the province will support construction of an addition at the building; the school board will pay to conduct renovations.

Canadian executives say the biggest challenges facing businesses right now are a shortage of skilled workers and finding young employees, according to a recent survey.