On the eve of International Women’s Day, March 8, the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) is estimating that in 2025 the share of tradeswomen in the industry reached 4.1%, or more than 8,200 women working on construction sites in Québec.

This rise, though slight, confirms a positive trend and offers proof of a tangible change in the sector.

The CCQ is also taking advantage of this opportunity to unveil the evaluation report of the Programme d’accès à l’égalité des femmes dans l’industrie de la construction (PAEF) 2015–2024, prepared by the École nationale d’administration publique (ÉNAP). The report underscores the advances in and positive transformation of the construction industry over the last ten years and the pertinence of the measures aimed at creating a favourable, inclusive, and respectful environment to support the inclusion of women on construction sites to. The next action plan will be presented later this year. 

The ÉNAP report: Relevant actions and positive results

Notably, the ÉNAP report shows that women’s access to and participation in the industry improved strongly between 2013 and 2023. Among the report’s findings: 

• The proportion of registrations for and graduation from study programs, which was 4.5% in 2013, has practically doubled. 
• Entries into the industry by women have doubled (to 9.58% in 2023), and the number of women working on construction sites has tripled (8,200 workers in 2025).
• The number of companies hiring women has doubled (1,937 companies in 2013 versus 4,466 in 2023).

Challenges to meet for lasting and equitable inclusion

The evaluation also brings to light issues that require sustained attention in order to consolidate these gains, especially the issue of job retention. To reach our goal, we must take into account: 

• Work-family balance
• A healthy and inclusive work environment 
• The transition from studies to first job
• The intersectional perspective in order to take account of women’s diverse realities.

Continuing the commitment

Given these observations, the CCQ is continuing its commitment and stepping up its actions. In 2026, it will reinforce its partnerships to promote the participation and highlighting of women in the industry. It will be the honorary president of the Semaine des bâtisseuses des Elles de la construction, present the Coup de cœur scholarship during the SORIF event Elles font plus que la job!, and award four prizes during the 30th Hats Off to You! competition.

A new action plan in 2026

The CCQ and the employer, union, and governmental leaders are working on updates to the industry’s next action plan for the inclusion of women. The result of a collaborative approach, this plan will convey a shared determination to focus on the attractiveness of the trades, the retention of women workers, and the maintenance of a healthy climate on construction sites.

To read the report and its summary: