Most of Quebec's construction workers are enjoying the annual two-week summer break. They will be back on the site Monday August 3, 2015.
Photo Credit: CP / Jacques Boissinot

Construction holiday only in Quebec

The ‘Construction Holiday‘ is unique to the province of Quebec.  It’s the two weeks at the end of July when most construction workers are officially off the job.

The break was mandated in 1970 by a provincial government decree. It went into effect for the first time furing the summer of 1971. Since then the tradition has grown to include nearly a quarter of the Quebec population.

Many of the suppliers to the industry just close up shop at the same time. And, spouses and families take advantage of the opportunity to head to vacation destinations, often south of the border in the United States. This year, however, with the hefty exchange rate, many be staying a little closer to home.

The province’s construction industry has about 150,000 employees and about 80 per cent take advantage of the break. Workers on both pubic and private contracts, including, housing projects, commercial buildings, foundations, demolitions, and some roadwork, are all off. The few exceptions include emergency roadwork that cannot be put on hold for two weeks.

One of the advantages for many of the Quebecers not on vacation, is the remarkable improvement in traffic. Commuting for these two weeks is much easier.

 

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