Montrealers prepare for Quebec’s construction holidays

One of the most anticipated times of the year for Quebec construction workers is finally here as Quebec’s annual construction holidays is set to kick off with hundreds of thousands of Quebecers expected to be on vacation in the province.

Workers from the construction industry and more will be off as of Friday July 19 at around noon and on vacation for two weeks until August 4.

Montreal construction worker Pedro Arruda says he’s celebrating the holidays with family and is expecting a relaxing vacation.

“The two weeks of vacations, it’s going to bring a little break, you know, because it’s a lot of pressure,” Arruda said. “It’s very important so we can rest from the job and have some fun, enjoy the sun and family.”

Since 1970, Quebec legislated the annual holiday for the construction industry and will once again see an increase in travel and tourism for the city of Montreal.

Last year, the holidays ended in tragedy, being deemed the deadliest construction holiday in 15 years with 23 deaths due to roadside accidents.

In a press release, the Sûreté du Québec addressed last years number of fatal and injured collisions, reminding drivers to be cautious with their program “Safety doesn’t take a vacation!”

“This angle is intended to remind all users that they must apply the rules of road safety and recreational tourism as well as the principle of caution throughout the year, even when they are on vacation, in order to ensure their safety as well as that of others,” the release reads.

“Everyone’s behaviour, whether on the road, on the trail or on the water, is an essential factor in the safety of all users,” said Sûreté du Québec Executive Director Johanne Beausoleil.

“Since human life is at the heart of our actions, our police officers, through their presence, will also ensure the application of the various laws and regulations so that everyone can enjoy this moment of relaxation in complete peace of mind.”

Construction workers across the province have already received their vacation pay, with a $30 million increase compared to last year.

“It’s a hard job, you know, the construction is a hard job, we work all year,” Arruda said. “It’s always a lot of pressure, a lot of hard work.”

Talking about the challenges of work, Arruda says he wakes up at three thirty in the morning for work and sometimes never knows when he will finish, clocking in 8 to 14 hours a day.

Even with its challenges, he said what he’s looking forward to the most during the holidays is quality time and barbequing.

“I’m Portuguese, so [the poulet] chicken, Portuguese chicken, sausage, you know, chorizo,” Arruda said.

“But most importantly the beer.”