If you want a one-stop shop for government reports try the BC Legislative Library catalogue.
Finding The Best Online Information Is Tough
In this section we have gathered some of the most reliable websites for you to use in your research.
Toolbase.org - NAHB Research Center
NAHB Research Center's ToolBase.org is the US housing industry's best resource for technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management, and housing systems.
Start here: Roofs
Key Government Websites:
Canada Business Network: Industry Sector Data
Industry-specific data will help you understand the current status and future projections for your industry. This knowledge is invaluable as you begin your business and plan for the next several years.
Start here: Scroll down to Construction.
BuildForce Canada
Originally created in 2001 as the Construction Sector Council, BuildForce Canada is a national industry-led organization committed to working with the construction industry to provide information and resources to assist with its management of workforce requirements.
BC Stats | Current reports and statistics from British Columbia's central statistical agency including labour market information, economic statistics and bankruptcies. Start by searching their Industry section and narrowing by industry type or go to the Business, Industry & Trade page to skim all the different business-related topics.
Start here: Trade Occupations Outlook 2010 (pdf)
The Daily - Statistics Canada
The premier source for Canadian statistical information, including census information. Search 'The Daily' releases by subject to identify corresponding census tables, latest news, and publications. Similarly, you can browse by data source, including surveys & questionnaires relevant to your market research, which also link to census tables, latest news and publications.
Start here: Construction (statistics by subject)
Start here: Building Permits (publication)
Construction HR Solutions
Developed by the Construction Sector Council (CSC), this site provides information and resources on a wide range of careers in Canada's construction industry.
Start here: Roofer / Shingler
WorkBC | Find current employment outlooks, labour market information, relevant links, and a geographic representation of the BC workforce. Start by searching your Industry Profile.
Start here: Industry Profile - Construction (Residential and Non-Residential)
Start here: Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers and Servicers
Start here: Occupation Profile - Roofers and Shinglers
Job Bank - Government of Canada
The leading source for labour market information. The site is designed to assist individuals who are searching for work or looking to make career decisions but can also be useful to gage employment trends in an industry. Try using their search portal to explore careers by occupation or review the latest job market trends in your industry.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Start here: Engineering and Construction Industry
US Census Bureau: Industry Statistics Portal
Provides access to high level US Industry overviews and statistics. Searchable by 2012 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code or keyword.
Start here: Industry Statistics Sampler - NAICS 23816 - Roofing contractors
Check out this UBC Library Guide: How to Cite to learn how to properly cite government and other special documents.
Free US Industry Websites:
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
CareerOneStop
A good way to research trends in the US labour market. Provides detailed labour information by state.
Start here: Industry Profile - 238160 - Roofing Contractors
Start here: Occupation Profile - Roofers
You might want to jump ahead to the news websites listed in the next section of this Accelerator Guide for more resources. News websites can often be good sources of industry, competitive and consumer information.