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There are solid reasons to expect near-term strength in the\u00a0U.S. and Canadian construction<\/a>\u00a0markets. \u00a0<\/p>\n In the U.S., rapid technological progress and supportive federal policies are driving major investments in semiconductor fabrication, AI-related data centers, and\u00a0energy infrastructure<\/a>, with growing momentum toward nuclear power. \u00a0<\/p>\n In Canada, federal and provincial governments are promoting \u201cnation-building\u201d projects that emphasize LNG export capacity, port expansions, and new mines for critical minerals required by the digital economy. Both nations recognize that housing supply must rise substantially to meet population needs, signaling a long-term\u00a0boost\u00a0<\/a>in residential construction.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Yet, 2025 proved disappointing for overall\u00a0construction performance<\/a>, especially in employment. According to the\u00a0Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, total U.S. private sector jobs in December 2025 rose just 0.4% year over year, and construction employment improved only 0.2%. Within\u00a0construction<\/a>, residential jobs slipped by 0.1%,\u00a0nonresidential building<\/a>\u00a0grew 0.3%, heavy and civil engineering advanced 1.1%, and specialty trades were flat. \u00a0<\/p>\n Average monthly U.S. job gains in 2025 were under 50,000, which is well below the 200,000 considered typical. Construction added barely over 1,000 positions per month.\u00a0Manufacturing\u00a0<\/a>did worse; total employment fell 0.5% year over year, with durable goods suffering the most. \u00a0<\/p>\n Canada\u2019s total employment rose 1.1% over 2024, outperforming the U.S., but its construction sector contracted 0.1%. British Columbia was the standout at plus 6.6%. In contrast, Canada\u2019s manufacturing jobs increased by 0.4%. In both countries, job growth centered on healthcare and social assistance, increasing by 2.3% in the U.S. and 3.0% in Canada. \u00a0<\/p>\n Earnings improved moderately. In\u00a0December 2025<\/a>, U.S. private sector hourly wages rose 3.8% year over year, with construction matching that figure. Weekly earnings increased 3.8% overall and 3.9% in construction. Canada\u2019s\u00a0wage growth\u00a0<\/a>was slightly lower, at 3.4% hourly and 3.2% weekly. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Housing activity revealed a sharper divide between the two nations. U.S. housing starts in November 2025 dropped to an annualized 1.246 million units, the lowest since the pandemic. Most analysts believe the country needs at least 1.5 million starts per year to meet demand. \u00a0 Canada\u2019s housing market also struggled but showed regional contrasts. Toronto\u2019s starts from January to November plunged 36% from 2024, while Vancouver\u2019s declined 5%. Elsewhere, the trend reversed:\u00a0 Montreal rose 54%, Calgary 17%, and Edmonton 16%. Nationwide, monthly average housing\u00a0starts\u00a0<\/a>through November 2025 totaled 256,000 units, compared to 246,000 in 2024\u2019s same period. Historically, the average in the early 2000s was around 200,000. \u00a0 Overall, both the U.S. and Canadian\u00a0construction sectors\u00a0<\/a>appear poised for significant expansion once delayed capital spending accelerates. Ample capacity exists to boost output, and when major technology and resource investments advance, the ensuing wave of\u00a0construction activity\u00a0<\/a>will mark a strong upturn for both economies.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nEmployment flat despite growth potential<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Housing starts reveal regional contrasts<\/strong><\/h3>\n