Canada’s Building Trades Unions stand ready to fight for jobs, fight for workers, and fight for Canadians as the Trump White House imposes unjustified 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy that will raise prices for American consumers, put Canadian jobs at risk, and damage the long-standing and productive trading relationship between the two countries. Canada’s Building Trades Unions is calling on the government to support workers during this significant economic disruption. “It’s clear our trading relationship with the United States has now fundamentally changed. There will be short-term pain, and government will need to respond swiftly with supports for workers and industry,” said Strickland, “Immediate steps to support workers must include decreasing the eligibility requirements for

Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) fully support the recent work of the Union-Led Advisory Table and its commitment to ensuring workers are prepared for the future of the Canadian economy. As we transition to emerging industries and technologies, it is essential that workers have the necessary skills and support to thrive in new sectors. The final report, Unions Power Prosperity, highlights critical recommendations that align workforce development strategies with industry needs, ensuring workers—especially those transitioning from declining sectors—are equipped with portable skills for growth opportunities. This is particularly important for women, under-represented groups, and older workers, who often face the greatest barriers to career advancement. In light of ongoing tariff threats that could have significant impacts on key industries, collaboration between workers, unions, employers, and

Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcomes today’s announcement by the Government of Canada of a new high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City. This investment will produce more than 50,000 jobs, including thousands of skilled trades jobs in the construction sector during the life of the project, contributing substantially to Canada’s economic growth. While we welcome this announcement and applaud the government for this forward-thinking initiative, we also call on the government to make sure this large public investment maximizes job creation and supports workers, by paying union wages and benefits, as well as ensuring job opportunities for our youth through apprenticeship requirements.

Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions issued the following statement this afternoon: Donald Trump’s disastrous tariffs are now a reality. While Canada has not chosen these circumstances, we have a choice today in how we respond. The coming days and weeks will prove painful for Canadian workers, their families, and business across the country, and the government must respond swiftly to protect workers. Importantly, it must also start the process to charting a new course that brings Canadian products and resources to new, and more reliable markets and trading partners. Canada’s Building Trades Unions is calling for the following immediate actions by the government: The time is now to get more shovels in the ground for the new infrastructure required to ensure

Canada’s Building Trades Unions stand ready to fight for jobs, workers, and all Canadians in the face of President Trump’s 25% tariff that will be imposed on Canada as of Tuesday. This decision will raise prices for American consumers, jeopardize Canadian jobs, and damage the trading relationship between the two countries. Yesterday, CBTU Executive Director Sean Strickland met with Federal Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon, alongside other labour leaders, to share views on a clear, effective, and tenacious response to these developments. Canada’s Building Trades Unions has been engaged with the federal government, other unions, and the business community through multiple forums, including the Canada U.S. Trade Council (CUSTC), on measures to respond, including direct supports for impacted workers. CBTU will be communicating with our members

On behalf of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, we wish to extend our deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his strong leadership and commitment to serving all Canadians. Through his tireless dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable future, he has proven to be a champion for workers and their families. As he steps down as Prime Minister in the coming months, we are grateful for his accomplishments.  “Under Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership, we have seen significant progress for unionized workers across the country,” said CBTU Executive Director, Sean Strickland. “His government’s support for working Canadians has been instrumental in advancing policies that strengthen the opportunities and rights of our members.”  Under Trudeau’s leadership, the Liberal government introduced several measures which will form

Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) recognizes the important transitions occurring within the federal cabinet following this week’s shuffle. While change can bring challenges, it also presents an opportunity for renewed leadership and a fresh approach to the issues that matter most to working Canadians.  We extend our thanks to the ministers who have stepped down, including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, for their dedication and service to Canadians. The hard work in their respective portfolios has helped guide our country through challenging times, and we appreciate their contributions to shaping policies that have supported tradespeople across the nation.  As the government moves forward with new leadership in key roles, including Minister Dominic Leblanc for finance and Minister Steven MacKinnon for Employment and Workforce Development, we

On behalf of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to outgoing Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland for her dedicated service and for the progressive achievements she has made during her tenure.  Minister Freeland’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing policies that have supported workers across the country, including those in the construction and trades sectors. Her unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economy has created opportunities for countless Canadians, especially those in high-skill trades who play a critical role in shaping the future of our nation.  “Under her guidance, we saw significant investments in infrastructure through the Investment Tax Credits which promotes prevailing wages, and a forward-thinking approach to climate action that prioritizes the needs of

Today, the federal government released the 2024 Fall Economic Statement (FES), which includes strong commitments for Building Trades members and skilled trades workers across the country, and promises new jobs and opportunities for apprentices. Commitments in the Fall Economic Statement include strong labour conditions attached to the new Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit.   “We are thrilled to see prevailing wage requirements tied to the new Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit and we look forward to supporting their implementation. Strong labour conditions mean that government tax incentives are tied to good, high-skill, high-wage skilled trades jobs in the clean economy,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director for Canada’s Building Trades Unions, “The Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits are a game-changer for our members and we’re thrilled to

Canada’s Building Trades Unions and New Brunswick Building Trades welcome today’s announcement of a common understanding on Clean Electricity Regulations that will provide the framework for more than $1 Billion in investments in a clean electricity generation in New Brunswick, which will lead to hundreds of new work and apprenticeship opportunities for skilled trades workers in the coming years. “We are thrilled to see the government prioritize the deployment of clean electricity and the phase-out of coal-fired generation by 2030. These investments are not only essential for a decarbonized and reliable electricity system, but they will also create thousands of good, sustainable jobs for skilled tradespeople across New Brunswick,” said Sean Strickland, CBTU Executive Director. “The clean energy transition will be a significant driver of