Construction Labour Shortage: Automation Solutions Are Transforming the Quebec Industry

Introduction

September 2025 marks a decisive turning point for the construction industry in Quebec and Canada. As the labour shortage reaches critical levels with over 25,000 vacant positions in the province, contractors are turning en masse to automation and artificial intelligence solutions to maintain their competitiveness. This digital transformation, accelerated by necessity, is redefining the sector's practices and opening up new opportunities for construction professionals.

The Scale of the Labour Crisis

According to recent data from the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ), the sector is facing an unprecedented shortage. Statistics from September 2025 reveal that:

• Over 25,000 positions remain vacant in Quebec's construction sector
• The retirement rate has increased by 18% since 2023
• Only 60% of apprentice positions are filled, despite incentives
• Project completion times have increased by an average of 30% due to staff shortages

This critical situation is forcing the industry to rethink its work methods and adopt technologies once considered futuristic.

Automation and Robotics on the Job Site

Quebec companies are investing heavily in automation technologies to compensate for the lack of skilled workers. Among the most promising innovations are:

Masonry and Concrete-Pouring Robots

Several general contractors in the Montreal area have introduced semi-autonomous robots capable of laying up to 3,000 bricks per day—six times more than an experienced mason. These machines, guided by artificial intelligence, ensure millimetre precision and significantly reduce construction timelines.

Advanced Modular Prefabrication Systems

Factory prefabrication, controlled by automated systems, is gaining popularity. This approach can reduce on-site construction time by 40% while maintaining superior quality standards. The modules are produced under optimal conditions, regardless of Quebec's unpredictable weather.

Drones and Automated Inspection

Drones equipped with thermal cameras and LiDAR sensors are now standard for roof inspections, job site monitoring, and 3D mapping. These tools help reduce risks for workers while increasing the accuracy of surveys.

Artificial Intelligence in Project Management

Beyond physical automation, AI is transforming the management and planning of construction projects. Platforms like ConstructoAI offer comprehensive solutions that are revolutionizing traditional processes.

Automated Estimating with the TAKEOFF Module

Quantity takeoffs, a traditionally time-consuming and error-prone task, are now automated thanks to AI. The TAKEOFF module from ConstructoAI analyzes construction plans and generates accurate estimates in minutes, allowing estimators to focus on strategic analysis rather than tedious calculations. This automation has enabled some companies to reduce their estimating time by 75%.

Specialized AI Agents for Regulatory Compliance

Compliance with RBQ standards, the National Building Code, and environmental regulations represents a major challenge for contractors. ConstructoAI's 60+ specialized AI agents automatically analyze construction documents to identify potential non-compliance issues before work even begins, thus avoiding costly delays and penalties.

Optimized Planning and Resource Allocation

AI algorithms analyze thousands of variables to optimize job site planning, including weather conditions, material availability, available team skills, and regulatory constraints. This optimization helps maximize the productivity of smaller teams and improve project profitability.

Impact on the Labour Market and Training

Contrary to initial fears, automation is not replacing workers but transforming their roles. Construction professionals are developing new skills:

New In-Demand Skills

• Robotic Systems Operators: Training in programming and supervising autonomous machines
• BIM and 3D Modeling Technicians: Managing digital twins and virtual coordination
• Data Analysis Specialists: Interpreting data generated by IoT sensors on job sites
• AI-Human Coordinators: Managing the interface between automated systems and human teams

Adapted Training Programs

The CCQ and Quebec's educational institutions have launched new programs to train the next generation of construction workers. These programs integrate digital technologies from the outset, preparing apprentices to work in a human-machine hybrid environment.

Testimonials from the Field

"Adopting ConstructoAI and robotic systems has allowed us to compensate for staff shortages while improving our productivity. Our estimators can now handle three times as many bids with the same team, and the accuracy of our estimates has eliminated the costly budget overruns we used to face."

— Marie-Claude Beauchemin, President, Construction MCB Inc., Laval

"Our younger workers are enthusiastic about these new technologies. They see construction from a new perspective—one that is more technological and less physically demanding. This helps us attract talent that would have never considered the sector before."

— François Dubois, Director of Operations, Groupe Construction Dubois, Quebec City

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the obvious benefits, automation presents certain challenges that companies must overcome:

Initial Investment

The cost of acquiring these technologies can be high, especially for SMEs. However, federal and provincial government grants for digital transformation offer significant financial support. The Investissement Québec program offers tax credits that can cover up to 30% of technology acquisition costs.

Resistance to Change

Some experienced workers show reluctance towards new technologies. Successful companies invest in continuous training and involve their teams in the transformation process, thereby creating a culture of innovation rather than imposing change.

Cybersecurity

The interconnection of systems raises security concerns. Companies must invest in secure infrastructure and train their staff on cybersecurity best practices to protect their data and systems.

Future Outlook for the Quebec Sector

Industry experts predict that by 2027, over 60% of Quebec construction companies will have integrated at least one automation or AI system into their operations. This transformation is positioning Quebec as a North American leader in construction innovation.

Emerging Trends

• 3D Printing of Structures: Several pilot projects are underway in Montreal to print structural concrete components
• Powered Exoskeletons: Reducing fatigue and injuries for workers performing physically demanding tasks
• Intelligent Digital Twins: Comprehensive virtual models of buildings that allow for real-time simulation and optimization
• Predictive Artificial Intelligence: Anticipating problems before they occur through historical data analysis

Conclusion

The labour shortage, while critical, is catalyzing a positive transformation in the Quebec construction industry. Automation and artificial intelligence are no longer options but necessities for maintaining competitiveness and meeting the growing demand for projects.

Companies that embrace this transformation now are positioning themselves advantageously for the future. Tools like ConstructoAI are democratizing access to these technologies, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same benefits as large corporations.

The future of Quebec's construction industry will be a hybrid one, combining irreplaceable human expertise with the precision and efficiency of automated systems. This synergy promises not only to solve the current labour crisis but also to elevate the entire sector to new standards of excellence.

To discover how ConstructoAI can help your company navigate this technological transformation, contact our team for a personalized demonstration of our automated estimating, AI analysis, and regulatory compliance management solutions.