Canada's construction and infrastructure sectors face a severe workforce crisis, with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) projecting a need for over 225,000 additional workers by 2027. Master Electrician and safety advocate Tania-Joy Bartlett contends that solving this shortage requires more than just training programs—it demands a fundamental shift in worksite culture toward safety and respect.
Bartlett, drawing from decades of experience as a former contracting business owner, emphasizes that younger workers are leaving trades not because of the work itself, but due to how they are treated. "People don't walk away from the work itself," she states. "They walk away from how they're treated while doing it." This perspective challenges industry leaders to view workplace culture as a practical business solution rather than an abstract value.
Research from the Health and Safety Executive supports Bartlett's position, showing that poor workplace culture contributes to higher accident rates, with construction accounting for one of the highest proportions of fatal injuries at work. Studies further indicate that respectful workplaces report hazards earlier, reducing serious incidents. Bartlett has observed firsthand how simple changes—such as daily check-ins and clear communication—can transform worksite dynamics, reducing mistakes and tension within days.
The implications for urban development are particularly significant. Dense urban worksites operate under constant pressure from tight schedules, diverse teams, and public scrutiny. Bartlett notes that "when pressure goes up, that's when culture shows. You either protect people, or you push them until something breaks." She argues that improving worksite culture represents one of the fastest ways to stabilize the workforce and attract younger talent to essential infrastructure roles.
Rather than advocating for sweeping policy changes, Bartlett encourages individual responsibility at all levels of the industry. Supervisors can model calm, clear communication; workers can speak up early about hazards; employers can remove toxic behavior immediately; and mentors can guide rather than intimidate. Parents and educators also play a crucial role in presenting trades as skilled, respected careers. "You don't need a new rulebook," Bartlett concludes. "You need people willing to treat each other properly every day."
For business and technology leaders monitoring workforce trends, Bartlett's message carries significant implications. The construction industry's labor shortage threatens to delay critical infrastructure projects and increase costs across the economy. By addressing the cultural factors driving workers away, companies can develop more sustainable workforce strategies. The CITB's projections highlight the urgency of this issue, suggesting that traditional recruitment approaches alone will prove insufficient.
Bartlett's advocacy represents a growing recognition that workplace culture directly impacts productivity, safety, and retention—factors that ultimately determine an industry's ability to meet demand. As Canada prepares for major infrastructure investments, the principles of safety and respect may prove as essential as technical skills in building the workforce needed for the nation's future.
