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It was a privilege to gather recently in Edmonton, Alberta, for the 50th Canadian Convention. The convention celebrated our history, our progress and most importantly, the members who continue to build the future of our union.

Bringing together retirees, apprentices, local leadership and members from across the country, the event highlighted our shared commitment and the importance of recognizing those who built SMART Canada while supporting the next generation who will carry it forward. A key event of this year’s convention was the apprenticeship competitions in sheet metal and roofing, which showcased the skill, craftsmanship and dedication of our workforce.

We were also honoured to welcome General President Michael Coleman and General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel to Canada, where they joined us in recog­nizing the continued growth and historic investment in Canada’s unionized skilled trades. This includes the federal government’s $6 billion investment to recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 new trades workers, along with $225 million to modernize training infrastructure and strengthen apprenticeship programs.

These commitments, alongside new support through the Canadian Apprenticeship Training Grant, which provides up to $16,000 per apprentice during training, and an additional $5,000 Red Seal incentive upon certifi­cation, reflect the importance of investing in apprentices and retention to build a reliable workforce. Together, these measures represent up to $21,000 in direct support per apprentice, helping reduce financial barriers, improve completion rates and strengthen long-term retention in the skilled trades.

This summer, I also had the opportunity to tour the Darlington Nuclear Refurbishment project alongside Local 30 (Toronto) members. The visit highlighted the expertise of our members working on one of Canada’s most significant energy projects. Local 30 members have played a key role in the nuclear sector for more than a decade, with over 130 members currently supporting work across multiple nuclear facilities. They were instrumental in the success of the world’s largest nuclear refurbishment at Darlington, delivering the project safely, on time and under budget.

Looking ahead, our members will continue to shape Ontario’s nuclear future. Approximately 60 Local 30 members will be working on the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project at Darlington, while the recently announced Wesleyville Nuclear Facility will become the world’s largest nuclear generating station once completed.

In Southern Ontario, the majority of Local 473 (London) members are currently supporting the Bruce Power Nuclear Refurbishment project. The Bruce Nuclear Generating Station is one of the world’s largest operating nuclear sites, and the refurbishment of six reactors further demonstrates Ontario’s commitment to expanding clean nuclear energy. The project has already achieved remarkable success, progressing seven months ahead of schedule and approximately $150 million under budget, a testament to the skill, professionalism and dedication of SMART members.

SMART’s contribution to the nuclear industry extends well beyond work at generating stations. Local 537 (Hamilton) members are supporting the sector through manufacturing, with approximately 20 sheet metal workers building feeder cabinet covers for CANDU reactors that are shipped to nuclear facilities around the world. The same facility also employs an addi­tional 25 production workers manufacturing spent fuel rod holders and assembling waste bins used to safely store and transport spent nuclear fuel, demonstrating the essential role SMART members play throughout Canada’s nuclear supply chain.

Across every region and sector, SMART Canada members continue to demonstrate the skill, dedication and professionalism that drive our industry forward. From landmark nuclear projects to major investments in training and infrastructure, our members are at the centre of building Canada’s future. As we move ahead, we remain focused on creating opportunities, strength­ening our workforce and ensuring long-term success for members across the country.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

SMART members and union construction workers across Canada have their sights set on a bright future: Thanks to partnership with the federal government, huge investments are being made in Canadian infrastructure and the building trades. From nuclear energy to ongoing work on hospitals, data centers and beyond, enormous workforce demands are coming down the pipe.

That’s why it’s more important than ever for SMART local unions to continue growing their signatory contractor base, providing more work opportunities for members in every province. And that’s why the Education Department held its Top-Down Organizing class the week of July 20-24, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario — the first class that SMART has held in Canada. (The department plans to return again in October and twice annually moving forward.)

The July class focused on the “top-down” organizing strategy — where the local union approaches a contractor directly — with a specific focus on developing organizing campaigns targeting non-union contractors. The main focus of the class was on how to understand the needs of non-union contractors and how to communicate with them to translate our principles into information they find valuable. 

“Participants roleplayed interactions with the gatekeeper, delivered a custom-built elevator pitch, first meetings, and subsequent meetings with the contractors,” said SMART International Instructor Richard Mangelsdorf. “There was an emphasis on making sure you are always asking for the next meeting and getting it on the books before finishing the current one.”

There were around 20 exercises throughout the week, many of them involving peer evaluations/ranking and group evaluations/rankings. After mock exercises, participants debriefed with critical feedback to their peers, and class participants voted to determine the class winners. “Local 9,” consisting of Brent James (Local 47), Constance Pagnello (Local 269) and Michael Beaudoin (Local 285), came in third place; “Local 4,” consisting of Jimmy Jones (Local 30), Donald Phillipo and Jake Jordan (Local 276) came in second place; “Local 2,” consisting of Shannon Kilgar (Local 30), Tim Last and David Harrison (Local 537) came in first place. The overall individual winner was Tim Last. 

“We hope participants took away valuable skills for approaching contractors using the top-down strategy, and that they all enjoyed the class,” said Mangelsdorf. “We look forward to returning to Canada in the fall!”

Edmonton, AB – On National Indigenous Peoples Day, SMART Canada recognizes the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples while reaffirming its commitment to creating meaningful pathways into the unionized skilled trades.

Through partnerships with Indigenous communities, training organizations, service providers, and local unions, SMART Canada is expanding access to pre-apprenticeship programs, apprenticeships, and long-term careers in the sheet metal and roofing industries. These partnerships help remove barriers to entry, provide mentorship, and connect Indigenous workers with rewarding careers.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to celebrate the history, cultures, and achievements of Indigenous Peoples while recognizing the importance of building strong partnerships that create opportunities for future generations,” said Jack Wall, Director of Canadian Affairs for SMART Canada. “SMART Canada is committed to working alongside Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure more Indigenous workers can access high-quality training, lifelong careers, and the many benefits of SMART union membership.”

One example of a successful partnership is the collaboration between SMART Local 8 (Alberta) and Trade Winds to Success. Together, they are helping Indigenous community members explore careers in the sheet metal trade by connecting them with pre-apprenticeship training, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. This is a new partnership designed to support participants at every step of their journey, from initial recruitment and engagement through to apprenticeship entry and beyond. Through support and industry connections, this partnership helps participants develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to enter apprenticeship programs and build rewarding careers with SMART Canada.

“Trade Winds has seen many Indigenous people build better lives for themselves and their families through careers in the skilled trades. These successes are made possible through strong partnerships that bring together shared strengths and a common commitment to reducing educational and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with SMART Local 8 to offer the Sheet Metal Worker pathway,” said Carol Lee, Manager – Program Delivery, Trade Winds to Success.

SMART Canada recognizes that building an inclusive workforce requires ongoing commitment and collaboration. By working with Indigenous communities and organizations across the country, SMART is helping ensure that the next generation of skilled tradespeople reflects the diversity, talent, and strength of Canada.

“At SMART Local 8, we are committed to recruiting, training, and supporting members through every stage of their career journey. Our partnership with Trades Winds to Success reflects that commitment by helping introduce Indigenous Albertans to the sheet metal trade through pre-apprenticeship training and focusing on hireable skills. By connecting participants with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities available through SMART, we are supporting Indigenous communities, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring the next generation of sheet metal workers have the tools they need to succeed,” said Dan Lee, Training Coordinator at SMART Local 8.

I am pleased to share two exciting developments from our Canadian office that reflect both our growth and our continued commitment to supporting our members.

First, we are proud to announce the launch of our new Canadian Facebook page! This is an exciting step forward in how we connect and communicate with members across the country. Our page will serve as a space to highlight SMART Canada initiatives, showcase member stories, celebrate local successes and provide visibility into what the Canadian office and sister locals are accomplishing on the ground every day.

This platform is about representation, connection and pride. It’s a place where members can see the strength of SMART Canada in action, stay informed and celebrate the incredible work happening from coast to coast. We encourage you to follow, engage and share your stories with us by clicking here.

I’m equally excited to announce that SMART Canada is now offering a new benefit as part of our Health & Welfare package: a Financial Wellness Program through Enriched Academy.

We know that financial stress doesn’t just affect wallets; it also impacts health, well-being and overall happiness. With this new initiative, we are tackling these challenges head-on by providing education that can truly transform our members’ financial reality.

Through Enriched Academy, Canadian members will receive:

  • Exclusive access to expert financial guidance
  • Practical tools to manage and grow their finances
  • Interactive webinars and educational resources
  • Strategies to build confidence and long-term financial stability

This program is designed to give Canadian members the opportunity to redefine their financial future with knowledge and support tailored to their everyday needs. Reach out to your home local today for more informa­tion and to get signed up.

At the same time, we are encouraged to see continued support from the Canadian federal government for the unionized construction industry through major infrastructure investments. Equally important is the recognition that investing in projects must go hand in hand with investing in the skilled workforce needed to deliver them.

This commitment is reflected in new funding oppor­tunities under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy — Investments in Training Equipment program. This initiative is designed to help Red Seal trades modernize and upgrade the tools, equipment and technologies used in apprenticeship training, ensuring workers are fully prepared for today’s jobsite demands.

With the federal government covering up to 50% of eligible costs, this program offers a valuable opportu­nity to strengthen training capacity nationwide. We will actively promote this funding to our locals and encourage them to take full advantage by submitting proposals that enhance their training facilities and support the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

We are proud to continue expanding the value of our membership by investing in initiatives that strengthen both our union and our members’ well-being.

Stay connected, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for being part of SMART Canada.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

Members of Local 296 in Sas­katchewan are in a period of stability and opportunity, supported by steady construction activity across the province and a significant milestone recently achieved for the trade.

Contractors are reporting a mix of commercial, industrial and maintenance work, creating consis­tent employment opportunities and allowing companies to plan years ahead. With projects already being bid on for 2027 and beyond, Business Manager TJ King says the outlook is strong.

“We’re not just in a good spot, we are in a great spot with steady work,” said King. “We aren’t in a boom-or-bust mentality, and stability is what matters most for our members.”

Director of Canadian Affairs Jack Wall with members of the Western Conference, including the Conference Recording Secretary and Local 296 Business Manager TJ King

Megaprojects across the province are driving demand for Local 296’s skilled workforce. Among them is the $9 billion Phase 2 expansion of the BHP Jansen Potash Mine, along with new schools, power plants, hospitals, uranium mining developments and long-term care homes. Upcoming projects in Saskatchewan’s nuclear sector are also expected to generate work well into the next decade.

With opportunity comes the need for preparation. King says members who take the initiative to pursue additional training and certifica­tions will be best positioned to take advantage of the work ahead.

“There are a lot of opportunities here,” King said. “Preparation is what separates those who will get the opportunities, those willing to go out, obtain the required certifications and keep themselves at the highest level of skill.”

The local is also focused on strengthening its membership through organizing efforts, new initiatives and outreach to bring more workers into the trade. King says that growth must be inclusive.

“If we want women to stay and advance in our trade, we need spaces where their voices are heard and supported,” he said. For that reason, the local is starting a women’s committee to help ensure women have a dedicated forum to connect, raise concerns and support one another in the trade.

Another major milestone for Saskatchewan’s sheet metal workers is the official designa­tion of Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) as a recognized sub-trade, a development more than 14 years in the making. Previously performed without a formal training pathway or certification, this work now has a clear and recognized structure along with a trade designation.

This change will provide roughly 200 members with formal recog­nition for the skills they’ve been practicing and the opportunity to obtain official certification in their field.

For King, the achievement reflects the local’s commitment to strength­ening the trade while preparing members for the future.

“We are focused on stability, oppor­tunities and growth for tomorrow, in an effort to set up our members for long, successful careers.”

In April 2026, SMART announced a new benefit for union sheet metal workers and roofers across Canada: Enriched Academy, a financial literacy tool available to members for free.

SMART membership isn’t just about top-notch training, representation at work, collectively bargained contracts or pensions. It’s about what all of those things mean when combined. It’s about using our collective power and strength to give members the freedom to live free, full lives with their families.

That’s exactly why SMART Canada worked to offer members free access to Enriched Academy, said Director of Canadian Affairs Jack Wall.

“We find that in a lot of families today, if they’re not financially secure, they have stress. And stress evolves, brings other things down: their health, their mental health, their relationships, and so on and so forth,” he explained. “So what we’re looking to do here is, we’re looking to offer every member in Canada financial assistance.”

At a time when half of all Canadians admit to living paycheque to paycheque, that assistance is especially important. SMART members in Canada benefit from the strength of union collective bargaining agreements — but being empowered with the knowledge of how to manage their earnings is nearly as important.

Enriched Academy works with individuals and organizations across the country to provide Canadians with financial skills, knowledge and habits. For Canadian SMART members, that will take the form of online seminars, in-person seminars where Enriched Academy staff visits union halls, modules on managing day-to-day expenses, reducing debt, when and how to purchase a new car, and beyond.  

“We’re looking to, when [members] come to buy a new home, [for them] to be better prepared for a down payment on their home, be better prepared for their financial retirement, when the time comes,” Wall said. “So it’s going to come into play in many different ways.”

SMART Canada members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their financial well-being by contacting their business manager today.

As we begin the new year, there is a lot to be thankful for. Our industry is thriving, our members are supported through existing and newly negotiated collective agreements, and we are preparing to take on an increased number of megaprojects in healthcare, the industrial sector and housing. At the same time, our production units continue to be busy.

We are entering 2026 well-positioned to build on this momentum. Supporting our members and the union­ized construction industry more broadly is the 2025 Federal Budget, passed on November 17, that included significant investments in infrastructure, housing and megaprojects across the country.

Some of these major investments include:

  • $75 million over the next three years to fund the Union Training and Innovation Program.
  • $51 billion over 10 years through the Build Communities Strong Fund to support provincial and local infrastructure projects.
  • $115 billion over five years for infrastructure in healthcare, transit and wastewater systems.
  • $25 billion to accelerate homebuilding and address housing needs across the country.

SMART members have always played a critical role in building community infrastructure that keeps our cities thriving. Looking ahead, we will remain key in delivering transformative megaprojects, with the federal government’s goal of “building an enormous amount of infrastructure at speeds and scales not seen in genera­tions.” SMART members will be on the front lines, shaping Canada’s future while leading the shift toward modern, low-carbon construction.

This is the work our members have excelled in over the centuries. Now, that expertise will be formally recog­nized through the SMART Green Certificate program, which is currently being developed. This program will reaffirm our members’ knowledge and readiness to contribute to upcoming clean-economy projects. The SMART Green Certificate program is being established in collaboration with Canada’s Building Trades and Skill Plan Canada.

In the new year, SMART will continue working on the development of this program, which will feature sheet metal-specific learning modules tailored to today’s evolving industry and will provide unified, industry-leading green training nationwide. Down the road, this certification will increase employability, support greater mobility between provinces and give our members pride in the environmental leadership that SMART Canada is striving for.

SMART Canada team members join training experts from coast to coast and
our Green Future Partnerships collaborators

SMART Canada was proud to host Secretary of State for Labour, Minister Zerucelli, at the Local 47 Training Centre (Ottawa, Ontario) for the re-announcement of the SMART Green Certificate. The visit highlighted how government, industry and unions continue to work together to strengthen our training and support the future of our trades.

We closed 2025 on a high note and look forward to what 2026 will bring as these major infrastructure and training investments begin to take shape. Together, we can build a stronger future for our members, our industry and our country.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

Over the years, the North American workforce has changed, especially in the construction industry. In response, SMART locals across the United States and Canada have worked to build unions for all members, regardless of race, gender, place of origin, belief and beyond. 

Lisa DuPuis of Local 47 (Ottawa, Ontario) is a journeyperson, executive board member and local women’s committee chair. In a recent episode of SMART News, DuPuis looked back on when she first entered the sheet metal industry and spoke proudly about how the number of sisters in the trades has grown since then.

“When I first started in the trades, it was very uncommon to see women. I think when I started, it was about six in all of Eastern Ontario or for our Local 47. Now, I believe we have over 40.”  

Attending the Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) conference in Washington, DC, in 2023 made this new reality even clearer for DuPuis.  

“It was a huge eye-opening experience for me,” she recalled. “I didn’t realize the magnitude of how many women were in trades, how big of a movement it is.”  

Marching through DC with hundreds of fellow SMART sisters reinforced what DuPuis already knew: “I’m not the only woman anymore. There’s pretty much a woman, if not more, in every different trade.”  

For SMART locals, that fact is more than just something to feel good about. It is a crucial part of our union’s work to organize, grow market share and take on projects like data centers, battery plants and beyond. Signatory contractors need the workforce required to take on demanding jobs; recruiting and retaining ALL members is how SMART locals can help make that happen.

Knowing how difficult it was for women in the trades back when she first started, DuPuis helped begin the Local 47 women’s committee to foster connection for her fellow sisters.  

“The whole purpose of starting the committee was to give women a chance to be able to talk, to be able to come together, to be able to approach me and other licensed journeywomen, to be able to approach us and ask us anything,” she said. “And I think that’s the whole purpose of having these women’s committees: to have a safe space where you can ask anything.” 

DuPuis also credits SMART for supporting this movement. Initiatives like Belonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL) and SMART’s participation in TWBN make her feel the power of solidarity in our union, she said.  

“Every single person I have worked with has done nothing but encourage me, empower me. I’ve never felt like I couldn’t do the job. Ever.” 

Ottawa, Ont. — November 6, 2025 — SMART Canada welcomes the Government of Canada’s 2025 Federal Budget, which makes historic investments in infrastructure and skilled trades training, bringing major wins for the unionized construction industry across the country.

The federal government has proven its commitment to Canada’s skilled trades workforce by doubling funding for the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) to $75 million over the next three years. This increase fulfills a key campaign promise and highlights the value of union-based apprenticeship training.

Through UTIP, programs like SMART’s Green Training Partnership can exist to deliver sustainable green skills training to members across the country. These investments ensure that our members are ready to lead the way in low-carbon construction and advanced green technologies.

“Canada’s budget emphasizes the role SMART members play in building and protecting communities across Canada,” said Michael Coleman, General President of SMART. “The Canadian federal government has made it a priority to invest in the skilled trades and sustainable construction. It’s my hope that politicians south of the border learn from this approach.”

Budget 2025 includes investments that will strengthen Canada’s economy and create thousands of fulfilling skilled trades careers, including:

  • $51 billion over 10 years through the Build Communities Strong Fund to support provincial and local infrastructure projects.
  • $115 billion over five years for infrastructure in healthcare, transit, and wastewater systems.
  • $25 billion to accelerate homebuilding.
  • $570 million over three years to support training and employment assistance for workers impacted by tariffs.

“This budget recognizes that Canada’s future depends on SMART members, the skilled workforce who build it,” said Jack Wall, Director of Canadian Affairs, SMART Canada. “Doubling UTIP funding and investing in major infrastructure projects means more opportunities for our members to grow their skills, advance their careers, and continue delivering the essential infrastructure that Canadians depend on.”

With extraordinary investments in infrastructure, Budget 2025 lays the foundation for a new era of growth, which will require the craftmanship of SMART Canada members.

As we settle into the fall, I’d like to take a moment to look back on what was an incredibly busy and productive summer for our Canadian locals. From participation in cross-border conferences and key gatherings here in Canada to important preparations for upcoming project implementations, this summer showcased the development and strength of our union.

We kicked off the summer with a strong presence at the Canadian Convention in Toronto and the SMART Leadership Conference in New York. In New York, we delivered Canadian-specific breakout sessions, which gave our members a platform to explore new resources, discuss innovative recruitment strategies and address unique challenges and opportunities facing our locals from coast to coast.

The momentum continued in Chicago, where over 300 Canadian Building Trades delegates participated in the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference. The energy and solidarity were truly inspiring, and a testament to the growing strength of tradeswomen across Canada. Events like this not only celebrate how far we’ve come, but also empower SMART members to expand their involvement, grow their networks, step into leadership roles and estab­lish women’s committees within their locals.

Back at home, the Ontario Conference met in Windsor to celebrate recent victories in organizing efforts and to prepare for the next wave of megaprojects set to shape the province’s future. It was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish through unity and the value of strong partnerships with federal and provincial govern­ments to advance key projects and worker priorities. As part of the conference, a SMART Army event brought members out for a local community clean-up. This was another meaningful opportunity for our members to give back to our communities.

Most recently, I had the privilege of joining the Canadian Building Trades Executive Board for a signifi­cant announcement with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Wall, third from right, and the CBTU Executive Board with Prime Minister Carney

The prime minister officially launched the Major Projects Office, a new initiative designed to fast-track critical infrastructure and energy projects across the country. This office aims to cut approval timelines to under two years, an important step in supporting a growing and evolving Canada.

Five transformative projects have already been greenlit, representing more than $60 billion in invest­ment and creating thousands of jobs, including opportunities for SMART members across Canada.

We are also excited to celebrate a major milestone on the East Coast — Local 409 in Halifax will mark its 80th anniversary since being chartered. We are incredibly proud of Local 409 for its accomplishments, including growing and diversifying the local’s workforce. Congratulations to all current and past members on this incredible achievement.

Moving forward, there are many promising initiatives underway, and we will continue to work closely with the federal government, provincial governments and our locals as they complete and prepare for more green infra­structure and other nation-building projects that will be vital to Canada’s future.

Thank you to everyone who made this summer such a success. As always, we remain committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and forward-thinking union across Canada.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs