Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcomes the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. This MOU has the potential to be a transformational move in Canada’s energy landscape, and a significant source of job creation for Building Trades members, whose skills and experience will be instrumental in making future projects a reality.  The MOU provides a clear approval process under the Building Canada Act for the construction of a new pipeline that, once complete, would transport at least one million low-emissions barrels per day.   Under this agreement, construction will progress on Pathways Plus, the world’s largest carbon capture, utilization, and storage project. Pathways Plus will create more than 40,000 jobs annually and generate $16 billion in GDP while reducing emissions.   The agreement also lays the framework for a strong industrial carbon pricing agreement for the province and

Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) welcomes the release of the Federal Budget 2025, which delivers significant progress on priorities long advocated for by CBTU, our Canadian Executive Board, and our members.  This year’s budget recognizes the essential role of unionized skilled trades in building a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable Canada. From generational investments in infrastructure to expanded support for union training, Budget 2025 demonstrates that the federal government has heard the voices of our members and unions across the country.  “This budget shows that when Canada builds, we build together, with union labour, quality jobs, and a commitment to community benefits,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “These investments will help ensure that the next generation of Canadian tradespeople has

On September 30th, Canada’s Building Trades Unions joins the nation in marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to recognize the impact of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities. “We affirm our commitment to increasing Indigenous representation in the unionized skilled trades, and strengthening our relationships with Indigenous communities across the country through initiatives like CBTU’s Indigenous Awareness Training,” said CBTU Executive Director Sean Strickland. “During a time of increased division and polarization, it is more important than ever that we stand together. Today, I encourage members of Canada’s Building Trades Unions to participate in local events and wear orange to show solidarity with the survivors of residential schools.”

Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU), representing over 600,000 skilled trades professionals nationwide, welcomes the federal government’s announcement that it will revisit and review the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This is a critical opportunity to fix a program that, in its current form, is failing Canadian construction workers.  Let us be clear: CBTU supports thoughtful, sustainable workforce strategies. The skilled trades need long-term solutions, not quick fixes that sidestep the need to train, recruit, and retain workers already in Canada. Too often, the TFWP is used as a tool to suppress wages, bypass union standards, and avoid investment in domestic training programs. Meanwhile, temporary workers are left with few protections and little recourse in unsafe or unfair working conditions.  As the government re-evaluates the TFWP,

Ottawa, ON – Today marks Labour Day, a day to recognize the role of workers in building Canada and the critical infrastructure we rely on.  Workers across the country have felt the weight of U.S. tariffs this year, and workers in the construction industry have been disproportionately affected. But despite this setback, the members of the Canadian Building Trades have accomplished impressive milestones. In July, Building Trades members completed phase 1 of the LNG Canada project and made Canada’s first LNG export possible. This is a huge step forward for the country’s energy sector and our economy. LNG Canada is projected to add $23 billion to the economy over the next four decades.   “Canada’s Building Trades Unions is committed to giving back to the skilled