Housing Jobs Jump, but Many Workers Aren’t Coming Back

After lagging housing starts for several months, construction jobs surged in February to the highest level in six years. Builders are clearly acting on the big jump in new home orders, but those jobs numbers could actually be higher, were they not hamstrung by a severe lack of workers. During the housing crash construction workers left the business in droves, and many are not coming back.

Read more: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100537494

Lamphier: Western Canada’s forest-products industry rebuilds, thanks to U.S. housing rebound

EDMONTON – Western Canada’s forest products industry is back in gear, riding a rebound in the U.S. housing market and surging lumber prices.

The turnaround is reflected in the shares of major Vancouver-based producers like West Fraser Timber (TSX:WFT), International Forest Products (TSX:IFP.A), Western Forest Products (TSX:WEF) and Ainsworth Lumber (TSX:ANS).

Read more:  http://tinyurl.com/d4soobl