Canada’s prime minister gathered that country’s provincial premieres last fall to focus on what he considered Canada’s biggest problem: the deepening lack of skilled workers. Some Conservative strategists for Harper call the situation an “economic time bomb.” In the last 50 years, the workforce in Canada has grown by 200 % but over the next 50 years, there is expected to be no higher than 12% growth.

On Monday, Monte Solberg, the federal Minister of Human Resources spoke to the Canadian Building and Construction Trades’ Legislative Conference saying that demand will simply outstrip supply. “Demographics are working against us,” said Solberg. Canada’s current rate of employment is 80% – an all time high.

In the last 12 months, 325,000 jobs have been created in Canada despite negative predictions based on the rising dollar (this should have resulted in job losses due to decreased sales to its top trade partner, the USA) and job losses in manufacturing. The construction sector alone has grown by 103,000 jobs.

Canada is searching for ways to welcome more skilled workers from abroad. Its recent plans include a proposal to fast track immigrants who can fill labor requirements. Solberg stated that the Conservatives are spending more money on training programs through apprenticeships and trade schools than any other government in Canadian history.