Skip to content
LATEST NEWS
Canada’s Building Trades Unions Welcomes New Temporary Relief Measures from U.S. Tariffs
Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcomes today’s announcement from Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance, accompanied by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario and the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, temporarily extending the EI measures related to unfair U.S. tariffs on various manufacturing industries including steel, aluminum, and automotive products. Today’s announcement also makes amendments to the work-sharing program to make it easier to access and open to more people. These temporary relief measures for workers affected by tariffs include; While these measures are a positive step to securing and reinforcing Canada’s unionized skilled workforce, increased delays in
Canada’s Building Trades Unions Reacts to Continuation of Tariffs and Calls for Extended Temporary Relief Measures for workers
Canada’s Building Trades Unions is calling on the federal government to extend the current temporary relief measures related to unfair U.S. tariffs on various manufacturing industries including steel, aluminum, and automotive products through spring 2027, or until a fair agreement is reached between Canada and the United States. The impact of this trade war isn’t being felt in the boardrooms; it’s being felt at kitchen tables. Tariffs are disrupting supply chains, putting good-paying middle class jobs at risk, and driving uncertainty for tradespeople and their families. Workers are bearing the consequences of decisions being made far from the jobsite, and they need governments to intervene to provide them with adequate support. “Workers should not be asked to front the cost of political and trade uncertainty beyond their control,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “The effects of these tariffs
CBTU Executive Director Addresses UA’s 41st Convention Calling for North American Collaboration
Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) Executive Director, Sean Strickland, addressed nearly 4,000 members of the United Association (UA) at its convention in San Diego, including 1,000 Canadian delegates. The convention reflected the strength of the UA’s North American partnership, guided internationally by General President, Mark McManus and supported in Canada by Director of Canadian Affairs, Terry Snooks. With nearly 60,000 UA members across Canada, that partnership continues to advance opportunities for skilled tradespeople on both sides of the border. Shortly before his address, UA delegates passed a resolution opposing tariffs and supporting policies that protect workers and promote cross-border cooperation. Mr. Strickland then delivered a clear warning about the consequences of tariffs, emphasizing that they raise costs, disrupt integrated supply chains, and threaten jobs throughout
Canada’s Building Trades Unions Statement on Churchill Falls and Labrador Energy Investments
Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcomes yesterday’s announcement of a new agreement on Churchill Falls and broader electricity and energy investments across Labrador. This is an important step towards unlocking the province’s enormous energy potential while creating good-paying unionized jobs and generating lasting economic benefits for workers, Indigenous Peoples, and communities across the province. The federal commitment of $10 billion for the modernization and expansion of Churchill Falls, the potential development of Gull Island, new transmission infrastructure, and the 2,000 MW onshore wind project represent generational opportunities to put skilled tradespeople to work building the infrastructure that will power Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy for decades to come. “This is about more than building power infrastructure, it’s about building opportunity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said Sean Strickland,
CBTU welcomes continued momentum toward advancing nationally significant energy and infrastructure projects
Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) welcomes continued momentum toward advancing nationally significant energy and infrastructure projects that will strengthen Canada’s economy, expand access to global markets, and create thousands of family‑supporting union careers for skilled trades workers. CBTU emphasizes that Canada already has the workforce with the proven experience to deliver major infrastructure safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. “Our members have a proven record of excellence building the projects that power Canada’s economy, from pipelines and power generation to refineries, LNG facilities, and transportation infrastructure,” said CBTU Executive Director Sean Strickland. “We don’t need to build a workforce; we’ve already built one. Canada’s Building Trades have the skilled workers, the world‑class apprenticeship system, and the experience to deliver the next generation of nation‑building
Canada’s Building Trades Unions Welcomes Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy
Canada’s Building Trades Unions would like to congratulate The Honourable Tim Hodgson on the release of Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy. This welcome announcement comes as a component to the recently released National Electricity Strategy, and aims to rapidly scale this strength of the nuclear sector, and double the nuclear workforce by 2050. Backed by 70 years of Canadian expertise, innovation, and intellectual property, the nuclear sector is responsible for 90,000 direct and indirect jobs, 90% of which are high-skilled roles. Nuclear contributes 13 percent of our national electricity supply, and adds $22 billion to Canada’s economy every year through the operation of 17 Canadian CANDUs. Every one of our unions and each of the 60 different construction trades they represent participates in the construction and maintenance of traditional nuclear and small modular reactors – and they’ve proven they can deliver major projects under budget, and ahead of schedule. View the full announcement
CBTU Applauds Partnership Agreement between British Columbia and Canada
Canada’s Building Trades Unions applauds the recent partnership agreement between the Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, and the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada | Cabinet du premier ministre du Canada, Mark Carney. Bringing more than $5 billion in investments into the province’s infrastructure, this new partnership will transform, connect, and modernize communities across British Columbia. From roads and waterways to schools and hospitals, this investment will launch or accelerate the great work our brothers and sisters are doing on projects large and small. As Canada continues to fund and approve projects both federally and provincially, our members are ready to get boots on the ground and help build Canada and our communities strong. See the full statement from the Prime Ministers Office
Canada’s Building Trades Unions Launch Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan to Advance Opportunity, Partnership, and Accountability Across the Skilled Trades
Ottawa, ON – Today, Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) announced the release of its Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), a national, structured framework designed to advance Indigenous participation, leadership, and economic opportunity across the unionized construction sector. Led by CBTU’s Director of Workforce Development, Lindsay Amundsen, and in partnership with Mokwateh, an Indigenous-owned consultancy, the IRAP establishes a coordinated, sector-wide approach to reconciliation, providing practical tools, clear commitments, and measurable pathways for CBTU affiliates and provincial councils to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and expand access to careers in the skilled trades. The IRAP builds on CBTU’s 2017 adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #92, reaffirming commitments to meaningful consultation, equitable access to jobs and training, and education on Indigenous history, rights, and cultures. “We stand at
Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcomes the Canada–Alberta Implementation Agreement
Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcomes the Canada–Alberta Implementation Agreement as a pragmatic, jobs-first plan to build strong and affordable energy infrastructure that puts Canada’s tradespeople to work, expands export markets, and secures long-term work for skilled tradespeople. This agreement’s clear carbon market signals, major investments in clean electricity and transmission, and commitment to responsibly advance large-scale projects will mobilize the skilled trades, spur apprenticeship and upskilling opportunities, and sustain family-supporting careers across Alberta and the country. “Now, we need project timelines and a seat at the table to understand labour supply and fulfil demand so employers can hire, train, and retain the next generation of tradespeople,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director, Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “Creating more project certainty is essential so we can fulfill
Canada’s Building Trades Unions Celebrates the Liberal Government’s Spring Economic Update
OTTAWA – The Canadian Executive Board of Canada’s Building Trades Unions today welcome the measures announced in the federal Spring Economic Statement that put skilled trades workers at the centre of the federal government’s nation building, major projects, and affordability agenda. The investments announced by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne reflect a sustained commitment to the workers who build the homes, infrastructure, energy projects, and industrial capacity Canada needs. The building trades endorse the approach this Liberal government is taking, and we are ready to do our part to build what Canada needs built. “Today’s Spring Economic Statement is a strong statement of support and respect for Canada’s skilled trades workers and the role we play in building our country,” said Robert Kucheran, Chair of the
Media Contact
Jennifer White
Senior Communications Advisor
jwhite@buildingtrades.ca
Amy Burlock
Communications Specialist
aburlock@buildingtrades.ca
