Canada’s Building Trades Unions and IBEW Canada need your support.
With the now passed Bill C-5, this government seeks to accelerate the building of major infrastructure projects in the matter of national interest. Our membership will be crucial for meeting the workforce demands of our country’s evolving economy.
To create well-paid unionized jobs, all taxpayer-funded Major Projects Office projects must include:
- Project Labour Agreements
- Prevailing wages, and
- Mandatory apprenticeships
This approach builds on the model established by Bill C-59 in 2023, which introduced tax credits for investments in clean technologies, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and hydrogen. This law required that workers be paid according to union agreements and that apprentices complete at least 10% of total project hours.
This policy is vital for the future of the skilled trades in our country. By ensuring that our tax dollars support good-paying, unionized jobs, we are not only supporting IBEW members but are also investing in the long-term prosperity of Canadian workers and our communities. The emphasis on apprenticeship requirements will provide essential opportunities for the next generation of skilled tradespeople to learn and build lasting careers.
We’re calling on all workers to sign the following letter showing your support for this important initiative. We ask that you share this message with your membership and encourage them to sign the letter today:
In solidarity,
 | Russ Shewchuk International Vice President IBEW First District, Canada |