CHBA launches national campaign to promote women in residential construction

March 2, 2026 – OTTAWA, ON – Yesterday, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) launched a national campaign aimed at promoting leading women across Canada’s residential construction sector. Building on Women in Construction Week (March 1-7) and International Women’s Day (March 8), the campaign highlights the achievements of women in industry and aims to encourage more women to explore opportunities in the residential construction sector.

According to BuildForce Canada, women make up nearly half (40%) of off-site employment in the wider construction industry, but only 5% of tradespeople. While women account for a higher share of total tradespeople (6%) in residential construction than the broader construction sector, more can be done to encourage and support women entering the home building and renovation trades. At the same time, the residential construction industry overall is facing significant labour shortages with 22% of workers expected to retire over the coming decade. Expanding participation from women is key to building a stronger workforce and achieving the housing targets needed to help restore affordability across the country.

Throughout the week and beyond, CHBA’s national campaign will feature leading women across the industry in CHBA member companies and offer resources for employers to help workplaces be more inclusive. CHBA will also highlight the work of its constituent home builders’ associations who are leading local and provincial mentorship programs, events, and community outreach initiatives to introduce women to careers in residential construction.

Last year, CHBA established its national Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) to further this work and more. Led by a management committee of 14 volunteer members from across the country, representing growing network of more than 260 women from across Canada, who are involved in various initiatives that reach over 1,000 women, CHBA’s WIRCC serves as a forum for women to share experiences, shape the dialogue around the career opportunities residential construction offers, and catalyze connections locally, provincially, and nationally to build a strong network of support for women in the sector.

"Canada needs a larger, more diverse residential construction workforce to meet housing demand," said Sue Wastell, Chair of CHBA’s WIRCC. "Women bring valuable perspectives, skills, and leadership to our industry, and we want to ensure they see residential construction as a welcoming and rewarding career path. That’s how we as residential construction professionals build stronger communities and a more resilient housing sector for the future.”

To learn more about CHBA’s women in residential construction campaign and see how it’s supporting women in industry, visit the Women in Residential Construction page on CHBA’s website.

-30-

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Journalists wishing to interview a spokesperson from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association are encouraged to submit their request by email to media@chba.ca.

About the Canadian Home Builders' Association

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is the voice of the residential construction industry in Canada, representing some 8,500 member firms across the country. Our membership spans new home builders, renovators, developers, trade contractors, building material manufacturers and suppliers, lenders, and other professionals in the housing sector.