Advocacy
Advocacy
cbtu represents workers in ottawa
Canada’s Building Trades Unions ensures that workers voices are heard in the halls of Parliament.
We advocate on behalf of skilled trades workers on a wide range of national-level issues including fair taxation, labour mobility supports, worker supports, employment insurance, immigration, and innovative solutions to support the industry. Whether solutions require legislation, regulatory changes, or the attention of senior decision makers – CBTU has a proven record of delivering for our members, and for workers across Canada.
Reports and Submissions
Canada's Building Trades Unions frequently produces reports and briefing documents to support our advocacy efforts with government, with media, and with academia. We also publish reports and research produced by our provincial councils in support of their advocacy efforts.
Our Priority Issues
Immigration Reform
Canada's permanent immigration system discriminates against skilled trades workers, creating a barrier to recruiting international talent to meet the growing demand for skilled trades workers. CBTU is advocating for reform to how the system treats skilled trades workers applying to come to Canada.
Temporary foreign workers
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is broken. The current rules allow employers to bring in TFWs to suppress wages, and foreign workers are at risk of exploitation. At the same time, when episodic labour shortages occur, it's difficult for our unions to bring in our members from the US. We need change.
UTIP brick and mortar funding
Canada's unionized training centres deliver high quality training, and the best outcomes for apprentices. Canada's Building Trades Unions are advocating for expanded government funding to support classroom and skill lab infrastructure to support the next generation of skilled trades workers.
sustainable jobs & A GREEN economy
The transition to a clean, green economy is under way. As this transition progresses, it's essential that no worker is left behind. CBTU advocates for transitional supports and investments in workers displaced by this economic transformation, and to ensure that the clean economy of the future is built on high-quality, well-paid skilled trades jobs.
Prevailing wage & Community Benefit Agreements
Ensuring workers and communities benefit when the Federal government invests in infrastructure or provides taxpayer incentives is essential. CBTU advocates for strong labour conditions on taxpayer incentives, and for community benefit agreements in federal procurement.
Apprenticeship & WORKER SUPPORTS
In order to accomplish Canada’s short and long-term infrastructure goals, it is necessary to have a well-trained and qualified workforce. Representing over 600,000 skilled trades workers, CBTU has identified areas for improvement and additional opportunities for the Federal Government to support workers.
Our Recent Wins For Workers
Investment Tax Credits
CBTU secured the strongest definition of prevailing wage in Canadian labour history. The new Investment Tax Credits now require employers to pay union wages, and hire apprentices in order to claim taxpayer incentives for clean energy projects.
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Labour mobility tax deduction
CBTU secured tax fairness for tradespeople in 2022 with the introduction of the Labour Mobility Deduction for Tradespeople. Trades workers can now write off their travel expenses, just like corporate executives and business owners can.
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anti-scab legislation
CBTU helped secure federal anti-scab legislation that protects more than a million federally regulated workers' bargaining rights. Federally regulated companies can no longer bring in replacement workers during a strike or lockout.
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tradesperson tool deduction
CBTU secured tax fairness for tradespeople who are required to purchase tools on their tool lists as a condition of employment. Tradespeople can now deduct up to $1,000 in tool expenses.
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Sustainable jobs
CBTU secured a voice for workers on the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council which will ensure that no skilled trades worker in Canada will be left behind as the country transitions to a net-zero clean economy.
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EI Appeals Tribunal
CBTU helped secure voices for workers on the EI Board of Appeals, restoring our workers voices when it comes to adjudicating EI claims, ensuring workers rights are protected and that the EI program is treating workers fairly.
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