Statistics Canada has released new data showing construction union wage rates across the country from June to November 2025, with the national composite index reaching 125.7 in November.
The Construction Union Wage Rate Index, using 2015 as the base year of 100, tracks wage rates for 17 trades across 25 metropolitan areas. The index includes both basic rates and rates with selected supplementary payments.
Toronto leads in labourer wages
Toronto construction labourers earned the highest rate among major cities at $63.92 per hour in November, followed by Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna at $56.16. Winnipeg recorded the lowest rate at $39.50 per hour.
Other notable November rates for labourers included St. John’s at $54.44, Ottawa-Gatineau at $54.42, Windsor at $54.08, Hamilton at $54.06, Calgary and Edmonton at $53.26, and Montreal, Quebec City and Saguenay at $52.90.
Index shows steady growth across trades
The mechanical and electrical trades index reached 126.5 in November, with plumbers showing the highest rate at 129.6. The engineering and equipment trades index stood at 127.9, led by truck drivers at 128.9.
Structural trades registered an index of 124.5 in November, while architectural and finishing trades reached 125.8.
Data collection and methodology
Statistics Canada has published the index on a semi-annual basis since December 2019, with releases in June covering December to May and December releases covering June to November. This schedule aligns with when most construction union wage rate updates occur.
The wage rates and indexes are subject to a 36-month revision period due to the time between collective agreement expiration and new agreement ratification. The data is not seasonally adjusted.
