Quebec’s construction industry powers housing supply and public infrastructure, from residential starts across the province to major highway and commercial projects. In 2023, construction investment rose 4.1% to $52.7B, with employment reaching 285,400 workers. The page also covers the sector’s economic contribution, workforce trends, and 2024 expectations—alongside safety performance and job demand.
Key Takeaways
- Residential building permits issued in Quebec totaled $18.9 billion in 2023
- 12,450 new housing starts in Montreal region Quebec 2023
- Highway infrastructure projects in Quebec valued at $4.2 billion ongoing in 2023
- Quebec construction GDP contribution was $28.4 billion in 2022, or 7.2% of provincial GDP
- Construction investment totaled $52.7 billion in Quebec 2023, up 4.1% from 2022
- Residential construction added $15.2 billion to Quebec economy in 2022
- In 2023, Quebec's construction sector employed 285,400 workers, marking a 2.5% increase from 2022
- As of Q4 2022, 68% of Quebec construction workers were certified journeymen, with 32% apprentices
- Women represented 4.2% of the Quebec construction workforce in 2023, up from 3.8% in 2021
- Construction output growth forecasted at 3.8% for Quebec 2024
- Residential starts expected to decline 12% to 35,000 units in Quebec 2024
- Non-residential investment projected $25B in Quebec 2024, up 5%
- Lost-time injuries in Quebec construction: 4,850 cases in 2023, rate of 17.2 per 100 workers
- Fatalities in Quebec construction sector: 28 in 2022, down 15% from prior year
- Fall from height incidents: 1,250 reported in Quebec construction 2023
Quebec construction grew in 2023 with rising investment and jobs, while safety efforts focused on injuries and training.
Related reading
01 · Category
Construction Projects And Volumes26 stats
01
Residential building permits issued in Quebec totaled $18.9 billion in 2023
02
12,450 new housing starts in Montreal region Quebec 2023
03
Highway infrastructure projects in Quebec valued at $4.2 billion ongoing in 2023
04
Commercial building completions: 2.8 million sqm in Quebec 2022
05
Hydroelectric dam expansions accounted for 15 major projects worth $7.5B in Quebec 2023
06
Renovation projects volume: $14.7 billion in Quebec residential sector 2022
07
Number of active construction sites in Quebec: 45,200 in Q3 2023
08
Institutional buildings under construction: $3.9B value in Quebec 2023
09
Bridge rehabilitation projects: 180 sites totaling $1.1B in Quebec 2022
10
Multi-unit residential projects: 8,900 units completed in Quebec 2023
11
Wind farm construction: 5 projects adding 1,200 MW capacity in Quebec 2023
12
Office space new builds: 1.2 million sqm in Greater Montreal Quebec 2022
13
Sewer and watermain extensions: 2,450 km laid in Quebec municipalities 2023
14
Industrial parks development: 15 new sites covering 450 hectares in Quebec 2022
15
School construction and expansions: $850M invested in 45 projects Quebec 2023
16
Retail space completions: 650,000 sqm in Quebec 2023
17
Airport expansions at Quebec City: $450M project volume 2022-2023
18
Single-family home permits: 22,100 issued province-wide Quebec 2023
19
Hospital builds and renos: $2.1B in 28 projects Quebec 2022
20
Rail infrastructure upgrades: $1.8B for 250 km in Quebec 2023
21
Data center constructions: 3 facilities totaling 150,000 sqm in Quebec 2023
22
Urban park developments: 120 projects with $320M budget Quebec 2022
23
Port terminal expansions in Quebec: $950M for container capacity increase 2023
24
Greenhouse facilities: 25 new builds covering 200 hectares Quebec 2023
25
Sports stadium renos: $650M for 8 venues in Quebec 2022
26
Fiber optic network deployments: 5,200 km new lines Quebec construction 2023
Interpretation
Construction Projects And Volumes Interpretation
Across Quebec’s construction projects and volumes, investment is broadening beyond new builds with residential building permits reaching $18.9 billion in 2023 and renovations adding $14.7 billion in 2022 while major infrastructure and energy work also remains heavy at $4.2 billion in ongoing highway projects and 15 hydroelectric dam expansions totaling $7.5 billion in 2023.
02 · Category
Economic Contribution24 stats
01
Quebec construction GDP contribution was $28.4 billion in 2022, or 7.2% of provincial GDP
02
Construction investment totaled $52.7 billion in Quebec 2023, up 4.1% from 2022
03
Residential construction added $15.2 billion to Quebec economy in 2022
04
Non-residential construction spending reached $22.1 billion in Quebec 2023
05
Engineering construction contributed $9.8 billion to Quebec GDP in 2022
06
Tax revenues from Quebec construction industry were $4.7 billion in 2023
07
Export value of Quebec construction services was $1.2 billion in 2023
08
Inflation in Quebec construction costs averaged 6.8% in 2022
09
Small businesses (<20 employees) contributed 45% of Quebec construction GDP in 2023
10
Productivity growth in Quebec construction was 1.2% annually 2018-2022
11
Government procurement spending on construction was $12.5 billion in Quebec 2023
12
ROI on Quebec construction R&D investments was 3.2:1 in 2022
13
Construction bankruptcies in Quebec dropped 12% to 450 in 2023
14
Venture capital in Quebec construction tech startups: $250M in 2022
15
Energy efficiency retrofits generated $3.1B economic activity in Quebec construction 2023
16
Supply chain spending by Quebec construction firms: $35B in 2022
17
Profit margins averaged 4.5% for Quebec general contractors in 2023
18
Quebec construction exports to US markets: $850M in 2023
19
Carbon pricing impact on Quebec construction costs: +$450M in 2022
20
Insurance premiums for Quebec construction: $1.8B annually in 2023
21
Philanthropic contributions from Quebec construction firms: $45M in 2022
22
Digital transformation investments: $1.2B in Quebec construction 2023
23
Waste management costs in Quebec construction: $920M in 2022
24
Advertising spend by Quebec construction sector: $180M in 2023
Interpretation
Economic Contribution Interpretation
In Quebec, construction’s economic contribution is growing steadily, with GDP reaching $28.4 billion in 2022 and construction investment climbing to $52.7 billion in 2023, up 4.1% year over year, while tax revenues totaled $4.7 billion in 2023.
03 · Category
Employment And Labor30 stats
01
In 2023, Quebec's construction sector employed 285,400 workers, marking a 2.5% increase from 2022
02
As of Q4 2022, 68% of Quebec construction workers were certified journeymen, with 32% apprentices
03
Women represented 4.2% of the Quebec construction workforce in 2023, up from 3.8% in 2021
04
Average hourly wage for Quebec construction laborers was $32.45in 2023, excluding benefits
05
In 2022, 15,200 new apprentices registered in Quebec's construction programs
06
Quebec construction unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in 2023, below national average of 6.2%
07
22% of Quebec construction workers were aged 50+ in 2023, indicating aging workforce concerns
08
Indigenous workers comprised 1.8% of Quebec construction employment in 2022
09
Overtime hours in Quebec construction totaled 12.5 million in 2023, up 8% YoY
10
7,450 construction workers in Quebec transitioned to supervisory roles in 2022
11
Quebec's residential construction subsector employed 112,000 workers in 2023
12
Training hours delivered to Quebec construction workers reached 4.2 million in 2022
13
Youth under 25 made up 18.5% of new hires in Quebec construction in 2023
14
Unionized workers accounted for 92% of Quebec construction labor force in 2022
15
Labor shortages affected 65% of Quebec construction firms in 2023 survey
16
Average tenure for Quebec construction workers was 8.7 years in 2022
17
9,800 immigrants entered Quebec construction workforce in 2023
18
Electrical trade employed 28,500 workers in Quebec as of 2023
19
Part-time workers in Quebec construction rose to 3.2% in 2022
20
14% of Quebec construction workers held multiple certifications in 2023
21
Plumber trade saw 5,200 active workers in Quebec 2023
22
Remote work adoption in Quebec construction offices was 12% in 2022
23
Injury-related absences cost Quebec construction $45M in 2023 wages
24
6,300 workers completed competency exams in Quebec construction 2022
25
Heavy equipment operators numbered 19,800 in Quebec 2023
26
Female apprentices in Quebec construction increased 15% to 2,100 in 2023
27
Seasonal employment peaked at 95% workforce utilization in summer 2022 Quebec construction
28
11,500 workers aged 55+ nearing retirement in Quebec construction 2023
29
Carpentry trade had 42,000 workers in Quebec 2022
30
Digital skills training reached 25% of Quebec construction workforce in 2023
Interpretation
Employment And Labor Interpretation
In 2023 Quebec’s construction sector added 2.5% more workers to reach 285,400, while employment gains coincided with a strong labor market where unemployment was 5.1% and women’s share rose to 4.2%, reflecting positive momentum in employment and labor conditions.
More related reading
04 · Category
Market Trends And Forecasts26 stats
01
Construction output growth forecasted at 3.8% for Quebec 2024
02
Residential starts expected to decline 12% to 35,000 units in Quebec 2024
03
Non-residential investment projected $25B in Quebec 2024, up 5%
04
Labor demand to rise 4.5% needing 12,000 new workers Quebec construction 2024
05
Green building certifications to double to 1,200 projects Quebec by 2025
06
Modular construction market share to reach 15% in Quebec by 2026
07
BIM adoption forecasted at 75% of Quebec firms by 2025
08
Cost inflation to moderate to 4.2% in Quebec construction 2024
09
Infrastructure backlog projected $45B in Quebec by 2025
10
Electrification projects to surge 25% adding $6B Quebec 2024-2026
11
Prefab housing demand up 20% annually through 2025 Quebec
12
Skilled trades shortage to peak at 20,000 openings Quebec 2025
13
Sustainable materials use to hit 40% of projects Quebec 2026
14
Drone usage in inspections to triple to 60% sites Quebec by 2025
15
Public-private partnerships to fund 30% of Quebec mega-projects 2024-2028
16
Renovation market growth 6% to $16B Quebec 2024
17
AI optimization tools adoption 35% Quebec construction 2025
18
Timber high-rise builds to increase 50% Quebec by 2026
19
Supply chain digitization 55% complete Quebec firms 2025 forecast
20
Net-zero buildings target: 20% new starts Quebec 2025
21
Robotics in masonry projected 25% usage Quebec 2026
22
Remote monitoring tech to cover 70% large sites Quebec 2025
23
Affordable housing pipeline: 50,000 units Quebec 2024-2027
24
3D printing pilots to scale to 10% small projects Quebec 2026
25
Cybersecurity incidents forecast to rise 18% Quebec construction 2024
26
EV charging station builds: 15,000 new installs Quebec 2024
Interpretation
Market Trends And Forecasts Interpretation
For the Market Trends And Forecasts view of Quebec’s construction industry, growth is steady with a 3.8% output increase in 2024 alongside a 5% rise in non residential investment and stronger labor demand of 4.5%, even as residential starts are expected to drop 12% to 35,000 units.
05 · Category
Safety And Incidents26 stats
01
Lost-time injuries in Quebec construction: 4,850 cases in 2023, rate of 17.2 per 100 workers
02
Fatalities in Quebec construction sector: 28 in 2022, down 15% from prior year
03
Fall from height incidents: 1,250 reported in Quebec construction 2023
04
Safety training sessions: 145,000 workers certified in Quebec 2022
05
Crane-related accidents: 45 incidents with $12M damages Quebec 2023
06
Compliance audit pass rate: 92% for Quebec construction sites in 2022
07
Musculoskeletal disorders: 2,200 claims in Quebec construction 2023
08
Electrical shocks incidents: 320 cases Quebec construction 2022
09
Safety investment per worker: $1,250annually in Quebec 2023
10
Near-miss reporting: 18,500 logged in Quebec construction apps 2023
11
Trench collapse fatalities: 4 in Quebec construction 2022
12
PPE violation fines: $2.8M issued to Quebec firms 2023
13
Heat stress incidents: 450 during summer 2023 Quebec construction
14
Scaffold failures: 210 events Quebec construction 2022
15
Asphyxiation cases: 85 in confined spaces Quebec 2023
16
Safety committee coverage: 98% of Quebec sites in 2022
17
Vehicle collision incidents: 950 on sites Quebec construction 2023
18
Noise exposure violations: 1,100 citations Quebec 2022
19
Lockout/tagout non-compliance: 620 fines Quebec construction 2023
20
Ergonomics training reached 65% workforce Quebec 2022
21
Excavation safety audits: 2,450 conducted Quebec 2023
22
Fire incidents on sites: 340 Quebec construction 2022
23
Hazard recognition app downloads: 45,000 by Quebec workers 2023
24
Winter slip-and-fall claims: 1,800 Quebec construction 2022-2023
25
Mental health support calls: 2,500 from Quebec sites 2023
26
Respirator fit-test failures: 15% rate Quebec construction 2022
Interpretation
Safety And Incidents Interpretation
Despite strong safety preparation, with 145,000 workers certified in Quebec in 2022 and a 92% compliance audit pass rate, construction still recorded 4,850 lost time injuries in 2023 and 1,250 fall from height incidents, showing that major incident risk remains a key focus area.
report visual · Comparison
Key Construction Projects & Volumes in Quebec (2022–2023)
Multiple sectors show substantial project activity across residential permits, infrastructure, and major builds.
Residential building permits issued in Quebec totaled $18.9 billion in 2023$18.9 billion
Highway infrastructure projects in Quebec valued at $4.2 billion ongoing in 2023$4.2 billion
Port terminal expansions in Quebec: $950M for container capacity increase 2023$950 M
School construction and expansions: $850M invested in 45 projects Quebec 2023$850 M
Institutional buildings under construction: $3.9B value in Quebec 2023$3.9
Rail infrastructure upgrades: $1.8B for 250 km in Quebec 2023$1.8
report visual · Key figures
Quebec construction’s economic impact (GDP, investment, and spending)
Construction activity in Quebec drives measurable economic contribution through GDP impact, investment growth, and major spending categories.
7.2%
Quebec construction GDP contribution was $28.4 billion in 2022, or 7.2% of provincial GDP
4.1%
Construction investment totaled $52.7 billion in Quebec 2023, up 4.1% from 2022
$15.2 billion
Residential construction added $15.2 billion to Quebec economy in 2022
$22.1 billion
Non-residential construction spending reached $22.1 billion in Quebec 2023
$9.8 billion
Engineering construction contributed $9.8 billion to Quebec GDP in 2022
$12.5 billion
Government procurement spending on construction was $12.5 billion in Quebec 2023
report visual · Breakdown
Quebec Construction Workforce: Employment Growth vs. Labor Composition
Quebec’s construction sector saw job growth alongside key workforce composition indicators (journeymen share, gender representation, unemployment relative to Canada).
5.1%
Quebec construction unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in 2023, below national average of 6.2%
95%
Seasonal employment peaked at 95% workforce utilization in summer 2022 Quebec construction
report visual · Projection
Quebec Construction Outlook (Forecast Indicators)
Key indicators point to moderate output growth alongside shifting demand, labor needs, and accelerating adoption of green and digital practices.
3.8 % / Adoption / Growth
Start
+224.44%
CAGR · 2y
40 % / Adoption / Growth
Projected
20242026
report visual · Key figures
Quebec Construction: Safety Incidents vs Enforcement
Key safety incident and compliance signals highlight where risk is concentrated and where regulatory action is most visible.
100
Lost-time injuries in Quebec construction: 4,850 cases in 2023, rate of 17.2 per 100 workers
15%
Fatalities in Quebec construction sector: 28 in 2022, down 15% from prior year
92%
Compliance audit pass rate: 92% for Quebec construction sites in 2022
98%
Safety committee coverage: 98% of Quebec sites in 2022
$2.8 M
PPE violation fines: $2.8M issued to Quebec firms 2023
$12 M
Crane-related accidents: 45 incidents with $12M damages Quebec 2023
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Marcus Engström. (2026, February 13). Quebec Construction Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/quebec-construction-industry-statistics
MLA
Marcus Engström. "Quebec Construction Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/quebec-construction-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Marcus Engström. 2026. "Quebec Construction Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/quebec-construction-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
48 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level