08/02/2021

Startup Stories: Afro Canadian Contractors Association

Filling a desperate need

Starting point: Like many industries, the Canadian construction industry is undergoing a transformation. “Workers are in shortage in Canada because of the retiring population, and they expect in a few years there will be dozens of jobs available with no one to fill them,” said Stephen Callender, president of the newly formed Afro Canadian Contractors Association (ACCA).

In addition to the worker shortage, Callender noted that systemic racism and inequality permeated the industry, which led to a dearth of Black construction workers.

“A group of us got together, and were excited about finding Black contractors,” Callender said. “There were no organizations in Canada to identify Black contractors.” 

Please select this link to read the complete article from Associations Now.