CBTU congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney and his new cabinet on the occasion of their swearing in today at Rideau Hall.   Speaking on behalf of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, Sean Strickland, Executive Director had the following comments: “Our membership, more than half a million strong across the country is looking forward to working with Prime Minister Carney and his team to protect unionized construction jobs and the entire Canadian economy against the economic threat posed by Trump’s tariffs. We look forward to working with him, and his new cabinet, to advance policies that will improve the lives of skilled trades workers, and building the national trade and energy infrastructure essential to ensuing Canadian economic independence and sovereignty.” Strickland continued, “As Prime Minister Carney takes office,

Canada’s Building Trades Unions has reviewed today’s announcement by the Hon. Marc Miller, Minister Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, regarding new pilot programs in the construction industry aimed at addressing the underground economy, enhancing worker protections, and easing the process for apprentices to upgrade their skills without excessive red tape.  “We appreciate the Minister’s initiative to address undocumented workers in the underground economy and to help those workers gain the status and protections they deserve,” says Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, “These workers are present on job sites across Canada, but often lack basic protections like workplace safety and insurance. Their out-of-status situation makes it difficult for them to report unsafe or exploitative conditions.”  The government’s expanded pilot program builds on an

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