Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) congratulate Avi Lewis on his election as leader of the New Democratic Party. On behalf of the more than 500,000 skilled trades workers represented by our 14 affiliated unions across the country, we welcome this moment of opportunity for the party.  CBTU is a non-partisan organization. Our focus is, and always will be, on advocating for public policies that improve the lives of our members and by extension, all construction workers in Canada. That’s the union way.   Over the years, we have found areas of meaningful alignment with the NDP, particularly on advancing the interests of working people.  With the support of the NDP in the last Parliament, through the Supply and Confidence agreement with the governing Liberals, important progress was made for Canada’s labour movement; including, anti-scab legislation for federally regulated workers, the establishment of prevailing wage

Canada’s Building Trades Unions strongly welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s comprehensive Northern and Arctic plan. After decades of intermittent investment, this sustained, strategic commitment to defence infrastructure, all‑season corridors, airports, energy, and critical‑minerals development creates a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to secure sovereignty and build enduring prosperity across Northern Canada.  “These investments can, and must, deliver meaningful, long‑term employment for Canada’s tradespeople, including those in the North,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director, Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “Strengthening Canada’s North will simultaneously reinforce Canada’s economy, improve Canada’s ability to defend its sovereignty, and bolster our internal trade capabilities, driving further interconnection and mobility across our country.”  The announced initiatives, from Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Iqaluit and Deployed Operating Base 5 Wing Goose Bay, to Northern Operational Support Hubs in Whitehorse and Resolute and Support

Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) joined by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, announce a collaborative effort to harmonize national safety standards for construction workers by adopting best practices and the highest standards to ensure work is performed safely. This initiative marks a significant step toward national unity in certifications across Canada. At a recent board meeting in Ottawa, CBTU’s Canadian Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution underscoring the strong commitment of both the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, and CBTU and their affiliates. Led by Minister Piccini, who was recently designated by provincial Premiers and labour ministers across the country to lead this critical national initiative, the resolution aims

Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcomes Secretary of State John Zerucelli’s funding announcement regarding the Union Training and Innovation Program yesterday. Nearly $9 million will be invested in SMART Canada to expand high efficiency training for 2,000 apprentices at the 21 Canadian locals across the country. This funding will support the development, delivery, and evaluation of new training that will set up workers for success on the projects of the future. “Unionized skilled tradespeople are driving Canada’s transition to a stronger, more resilient economy, and today’s announcement gives our members the power to lead it. This is about good careers, real opportunity, and a workforce ready to build Canada,” said CBTU Executive Director Sean Strickland.  

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