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Strikes in Ontario stunt national average – Investment in building construction, May 2022

July 15, 2022 | By Anthony Capkun



July 15, 2022 – Statistics Canada reports investment in building construction edged down 0.2% to $20.6 billion in May. If you exclude Ontario, investment increased 1.1% nation-wide.

Many of Ontario’s unionized construction workers were on strike during the month, notes Statscan. “These strikes caused significant delays in numerous residential and non-residential construction projects throughout the province.”

As such, investment in the non-residential sector contracted 0.9% to $5.2 billion in May, with the strike in Ontario offsetting the gains of eight provinces, and driving all three components (industrial, commercial, institutional) downward.

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In May 2022, investment in the residential sector remained largely unchanged at $15.4 billion, following growth that started in September 2021. Excluding Ontario, the residential sector continued its upward trend, increasing 1.3% in May.

Multi-unit construction continued to climb, increasing 3.4% to $7.0 billion, with six provinces posting gains, led by Quebec (+10.0%).

Investment in single-family homes declined 2.5%, ending its seven-month growth streak. Overall, six provinces reported growth in May, which was offset by declines in four provinces, with Ontario and Quebec causing most of the decline.


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