Moving Through and Beyond Covid 19

• Canada (0.87% of pop.) now outpaces the US (0.26% of pop) in first vaccine doses per day; as of May 25, 53.1% of Canadians have had at least their first dose.
• “…making steady progress, with over 30% fewer active cases compared to the peak of the third wave in mid-April” – Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, May 22, 2021
• Less restrictions and “pent-up demand” will benefit homebuilders, landscapers and others.  Infrastructure spending provides opportunity for civil contractors, road builders etc, while rising prices of lumber & oil will boost those in natural resources markets.

Equipment Market

• Equipment demand continues rising, as Covid-hit supply remains lower than usual.  Used equipment and auctions are seeing increases in sales volumes and pricing.
• In April, LeaseFoundation.org stated that equipment investment will accelerate, due to vaccination rates and the need to invest for post-Covid. Key equipment categories include Railroad, Construction, Materials Handling and Mining & Oilfield.
• Terex Trucks announced plans to expand into Canada, noting demand for heavy machinery is expected to increase 2.4% through 2027 due to the number of major construction projects planned.

Employment Market

• As of April 30, SK was tied with QC for the lowest Canadian unemployment rate at 6.6%, compared with the national rate of 8.1%.
• Last month, jobs fell in industries directly impacted by public health restrictions, namely retail trade, accommodation & food services and information, culture and recreation.
• According to Ottawa in April, the most in-demand jobs in the Skilled Trades sector are Truck Drivers, General Laborer’s and Welders.