B.C. construction sector seeks support as workers shortage, late payments persist

British Columbia’s construction industry says its work force numbers have improved in recent years, but persistent labour shortages are putting “extreme pressures” on employers.The BC Construction Association says the shortage of qualified workers has pushed the average annual wage in the sector to just short of $75,000, up 21 per cent in the last five years.It says the average entry-level wage for construction workers is now at more than $22 an hour, 25 per cent above minimum wage in the province.