Tag: Canadian Affairs

Home>News>Canadian Affairs

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

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

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

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

Big and exciting developments are underway in Canada’s unionized construction industry, signaling strong growth, major investments and new opportunities across the country.

One standout moment reflecting this momentum was the welcoming of General President Michael Coleman and General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel to our Canadian Convention, where they had the opportunity to meet with local leaders and witness our talented appren­tices showcase their craft during the highly antici­pated skills competition.

SMART Canada is also celebrating the recent mobilization of over 450 members to support Local 235 in Windsor for the Stellantis electric vehicle battery plant megaproject, one of the largest green energy projects in the country. At the project’s peak, more than 950 SMART members were on site, demonstrating our union’s capacity to rapidly scale up a skilled workforce to meet the industry’s demand. Our signatory contractor, Lancaster, was particularly impressed with the efficiency and impact of the mobilization, which showcased SMART’s reputation as a reliable partner in delivering complex and high-profile projects.

We are building on this megaproject momentum as Canada’s newly elected prime minister, Mark Carney, successfully passed Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act and the Building Canada Act. This legislation will provide the regulatory reform that Canada’s Building Trades Unions have been advocating for to expedite the construction of major projects. Projects deemed in the national interest will have a reduced approval time, from five years to two years, enabling thousands of SMART members to access jobsites more quickly and provide long-term job stability and economic benefits to our members and their families.

As the nation continues to prioritize sustainability and nation-building projects, there will be an increased focus on green energy projects, which SMART is fully prepared to support with a skilled, job-ready workforce. Through a recent $8.9 million investment in federal funding, more than 2,000 SMART members will be able to upgrade their skills through training curricula and online learning tools focused on the future of clean technology. This funding announcement is a sign that Canada’s federal government sees SMART workers as key to building Canada’s future.

Another key invest­ment in the skilled trades, and in SMART specifi­cally, is the Government of Ontario’s funding of over $1 million to build a training centre in Thunder Bay at Local 397. This invest­ment will support the construction of a dedicated facility for sheet metal workers and roofers, with the capacity to train and upskill 760 individuals over a five-year period through pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.

This investment is a testament to SMART’s strong and collaborative relationships with all levels of govern­ment, reflecting the recognition that labour unions play a critical role in expanding career opportunities, driving economic growth and delivering state-of-the-art training. Together, we are helping to create a stronger skilled trades workforce across Canada.

As we continue to strengthen our relationships with provincial and federal governments, we are growing in capacity, preparing for increased work opportunities and building a stronger, more secure future together.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

Sisters and brothers,

My name is Jack Wall, and I’m honoured to have been appointed director of Canadian affairs for SMART in December 2024. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of those who served before me. Like them, I’ll work hard every day to represent our members and do what’s best for our union.

We’re at an important moment — not just for SMART Canada, but for the broader labour movement across North America. This year has already brought significant political changes and new challenges. Ongoing tariffs continue to impact our sheet metal, roofing and production sectors here at home and for our SMART brothers and sisters in the United States. But beyond the headlines, your Canadian staff is pushing forward — advocating, organizing and working to strengthen the future of our locals from coast to coast. Despite the challenges we face, I firmly believe the future is bright for SMART members.

Years of advocacy at all levels of government have resulted in real, concrete wins — from funding grants to labour-friendly language in clean energy legislation. These achievements didn’t happen by chance — they’re the result of hard work, persistence and unity. Now, we need to build on that momentum. That means growing our capacity and continuing to invest in the future of our members.

Over the past year, and with the full support of SMART leadership, we’ve added key resources to help us make progress — both politically and publicly — across Canada. I’m pleased to welcome two new staff members to our dedicated team:

Bob Gougeon, former business manager and financial secretary-treasurer of Local 285 in Toronto, has joined as our new International representative for government affairs and megaprojects. Bob brings years of experience and a strong understanding of what our locals need on the ground.

Aidan Strickland, previously director of communications for Helmets to Hardhats Canada, is our new communications specialist. She will help raise SMART’s public profile and share the stories and successes of our members in a variety of forums.

Together, our Canadian team brings the knowledge, experience and energy we need to keep moving forward. I’m confident we’re stronger with them onboard — and that their work will make a meaningful difference for members from coast to coast to coast.

I also want to acknowledge the continued uncertainty caused by shifting tariff policies. I know the toll this takes on our industries, our locals and our families. But I also know that General President Michael Coleman has been clear: Canadian locals and members have his full support. His commitment to unity across borders — Canadian and American alike — remains one of our greatest strengths. I share that commitment, and I know it will carry us through whatever comes next.

As we look ahead to the rest of 2025 and beyond, we’ll stay proactive — whether it’s organizing in our communities or working with officials at every level of government to advance our cause. You have my word: I, along with the rest of the Canadian staff, will give everything we’ve got to secure a strong future for SMART members across this country.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

In November 2024, the SMART General Executive Council voted to appoint longtime SMART leader Jack Wall as the new director of Canadian Affairs, the latest step in a journey spent advocating for workers in provinces and territories across Canada.

“Brother Jack Wall has dedicated his life to advocating for the workers who make up our industry,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman. “With his four decades of knowledge in the sheet metal industry, we look forward to Jack’s leadership in Canada and wish him great success in his new role.”

Brother Wall began his career as a sheet metal worker with Local 56 (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia) 38 years ago. He began serving his fellow union members as recording secretary in 1990 and held that position through 2005, when he became business manager and financial secretary-treasurer. Over the next 19 years, he dramatically increased membership diversity at the young and growing local, demonstrating a commitment to the values of our union.

On October 1, 2021, Wall was elected to the SMART General Executive Council; after nearly three years serving on the GEC, he became an International representative in 2024, working in that capacity until his appointment as director of Canadian Affairs.

Throughout his career, Wall has sat on various boards and councils, including on the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council and the executive board of the Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers since 2008. He serves as the president of the Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council, has been a member on the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Committee for the last 16 years, and has sat as a trustee to the Local Union & Council Pension Fund since 2018. He is a sitting member of the Nova Scotia Labour Board and has been listening to hearings since 2019. And in March 2024, he was appointed as the SMART delegate to the General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada & National Maintenance Council for Canada (GPMC/NMC).

As SMART’s new director of Canadian Affairs, Wall will work closely with International staff, local union officers and more to support our union’s efforts to organize and grow, from Vancouver to Toronto to St. John’s (and everywhere in between).

It’s an exciting time to be a sheet metal worker, a roofer and a trade unionist in Canada, and I’m honored to be given the opportunity to serve our members as the new director of Canadian Affairs,” Wall said. “To every single member of this great labour organization: I will work tirelessly to represent you to the best of my abilities.”

On June 4, 2024, an op-ed by Chris Paswisty, former director of Canadian Affairs at SMART, and Krista Wylie, co-founder of Fix Our Schools, was published in the Edmonton Journal. The article discussed the severe air quality issues in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba as a result of wildfires, particularly in schools, and is republished below.

As the world marks another Clean Air Day, it is incumbent on policymakers across Canada to ensure clean air, both inside and out, is a reality. Last year, on Clean Air Day, wildfires led Canada to record the worst air quality in the world. And already this spring, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba are witnessing some of the worst air quality levels on record.

Exacerbated by climate change effects, the increased prevalence of wildfires has resulted in prolonged periods of poor air quality across the country. This is causing a new public health crisis to emerge, and it is impacting our most vulnerable population, our children.

Wildfire smoke significantly deteriorates air quality, leading to increased respiratory illnesses, asthma and other health complications. Particulate matter in wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing immediate and long-term health impacts, particularly in children whose respiratory systems are still developing.

Although many provinces, including Ontario, B.C. and Alberta, have made commendable investments in HEPA filters for schools since 2020, this must be part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy for schools across the country. This measure alone is insufficient to protect our children against harmful pollutants as many school buildings still rely on outdated ventilation infrastructure, open windows, or use fans that are circulating dirty, unfiltered air.

As Canada continues to grapple with the escalating frequency and intensity of wildfires, the current infrastructure is just not advanced enough for the challenges posed by today’s environmental conditions. Upgrading these systems to meet modern standards is a must — particularly as children spend an average of 120 hours a month in school.

In 2022–23, air quality monitoring was conducted in New Brunswick schools, and it was found that 83% of the schools accessed exceeded peak CO2 limits, among other pollutants. Continuous air quality monitoring is crucial to install the proper equipment.

To safeguard the health of our children, Canada must implement regulations to monitor, measure and report air quality levels in schools across the country. Once results are available, decisions can be made on additional funding for necessary infrastructure, such as air ventilation and filtration systems, to ensure children are not at risk while attending classes.

The last time the Ontario provincial government released school disrepair data was in June 2021. At that time, the school repair backlog stood at a whopping $16.8 billion. Fix Our Schools, a parent advocacy group in Ontario, estimates that this repair backlog has continued to grow year-over-year, with the figure likely being well over $17 billion by now.

Fix Our Schools points out that this total repair backlog number does not include much-needed improvements, such as equipment to monitor air quality, and other investments required to improve air quality in classrooms. The time to act is now.

As NDP MPP Chandra Pasma rightly emphasized when introducing the Air Quality for Our Children Act, strong air quality in schools has been shown to improve overall health, reduce the spread of airborne infections and boost children’s test scores.

Increasing wildfires across Canada serve as a stark reminder that new legislation and funding is required to ensure all children have access to a clean and safe learning environment for years to come.

I remain, fraternally yours, 

Chris Paswisty
Director of Canadian Affairs

Brothers and sisters,

In March, Canadian staff gathered at the Hilton Toronto to participate in the SMART MAP (Members Assistance Program) training. The Canadian Pension and Benet Steering Committee worked with the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) to organize the SMART MAP class for Canada, which was held on March 26–28, 2024. The class had a tremendous turnout, with over 50 participants including business managers, financial secretary-treasurers, business representatives, organizers, training instructors and office staff from across Canada.

The training focused on providing staff with tools and strategies to help support members who may be experiencing addiction and/or mental health concerns. The training was well received, and attendees emphasized a desire for more education and training. A big thank you to Chris Carlough, director of wellness and mental health support, and the team from SMOHIT for providing real-life experiences so we can better assist our members in their time of need.

Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers Convention

In May, the Canadian Council met in Saint John, New Brunswick, and elections were held. Congratulations to President Jason Pedersen (Local 276, Victoria), Vice President George McDonald (Local 56, Nova Scotia), Recording Secretary-Treasurer Mark Hall (Ontario Conference), and Members at Large TJ King (Local 297, West), Gerald Murphy (Local 512, East) and Bob Gougeon (Local 285, Ontario) on your elections.

Retirement recognition was given to Brother Art White, who dedicated many years of service to the members, his local and the council. We wish him all the best in his retirement. Brother Lawrence Coulis was recognized for his contributions, as he will not be standing for reelection at Local 562 (Kitchener, Ontario).

The SMART Steering Committee presented a variety of initiatives, including SMART MAP Canada and peer-to-peer programming, HearCANADA, a hearing aid program, SMART index funds for Canadian local investments, Hamilton Lane SMART Air and Energy Fund and the SMART Canada Life Insurance Program.

Showcasing our skills

This year’s sheet metal apprentice competition showcased the talents of 12 apprentices who were tasked with duplicating the World’s Largest Axe! Built in 1991 and rising 49 feet above the glorious Saint John River, this landmark is a gleaming symbol of the industrious lives and legacies of Canada’s lumberjacks. Congratulations to first-place and Congeniality Award winner Kevin Berkmortel of Local 473 (London), second-place winner Jamie Weir of Local 30 (Toronto), third-place winner Jacob Wiebe of Local 235 (Windsor) and fourth-place winner Colin Nam of Local 280 (Victoria, B.C.).

The roofing competition demonstrated the skill and technique of nine apprentices who were tasked with the practical application of two roofing techniques: single and two-ply. Congratulations to first-place winner Elias Taylor from Local 276 (Victoria), second-place winner Matthew Rector, Local 409 (Halifax) and third-place and Congeniality Award winner Liam Power, Local 437 (Saint John, New Brunswick).

Staff announcements

Brother Jack Wall, former business manager/financial secretary-treasurer of Local 56 and eighth general vice president, has been appointed International representative for Atlantic Canada, replacing retired International Representative Leonard Day. Brother Wall started his new position on January 1, 2024.

On May 1, 2024, Brother Patrick Gordon was appointed to the position of International representative for business development in Canada. This position will be key in leading nationwide campaigns with coalitions of International and local union staff, along with key partners in the architectural, roofing, HVAC and building envelope sectors. Emphasis will be placed on organizing, educating and promoting our trades to the public, our members and buyers of construction.

Raising our profile

SMART Canada has been working with a government relations firm, which has been paramount in establishing and creating networking opportunities with various MPs, MPPs and ministers. We have appeared before the Ontario Finance Committee to make recommendations for provincial oversight of compulsory certification of licensed trades, investing in the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), consultations on jobsite working conditions and equitable access to Skills Development Fund Training Streams. Together, we have developed government relations priorities centered around consumer protection, skilled trades and long-term care facilities. We have authored consumer alerts, as well as stories on fraud prevention and air quality. As the wildfires continue to burn across our country, we will continue to raise the issue of indoor air quality.

I remain, fraternally yours, 

Chris Paswisty
Director of Canadian Affairs

The Government of Canada has aspirational goals to achieve a net-zero society by 2050. To help reach those goals and move our national ambitions forward, the construction industry must lean into “Building It Green.” Buildings and construction have been identified as among the three primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2021, Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) launched a national project to integrate climate literacy into the skilled construction trades’ education and training. The new Building It Green program is Canada’s most comprehensive climate-focused construction curriculum. Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), Building It Green is a national training program to strengthen the construction industry’s ability to support journeypersons, apprentices and training instructors as they manage the emerging and pressing needs of climate change. Transitioning Canada’s workforce to net-zero and ensuring our members receive the skills required to lead the change — without losing jobs — is critical to our economy.

The project’s advisory committee includes affiliate members of the CBTU and national training directors from coast to coast. I would like to recognize and thank Training Coordinator and President of SMART Local 280 (Vancouver, B.C.) Jud Martell. Brother Martell is a member of the Sheet Metal Industry Training Board and provided his expertise and valuable input on the curriculum development for our trade-specific training.

On February 6, 2024, the program was officially launched at the IBEW Local 586 Training Centre in Ottawa, with Minister of Employment, Workplace Development, and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault present. A public webinar on Building It Green climate literacy training — by tradespeople, for tradespeople — was held on February 15. There were also workshops at the CBTU Legislative Conference in April for those who attended.

Ontario organizing blitz

Local 235 is in the southwestern portion of Ontario, servicing the Sarnia, Windsor and Chatham areas. The region is experiencing unprecedented work in all sectors, driven largely by the NextStar battery plant and the Gordie Howe Bridge projects.

The local is currently performing an organizing drive to sign up members for NextStar contractors that are providing building services installations, architectural panels, clean rooms and roof installation, along with numerous members working on the seven-plus buildings at the Gordie Howe Bridge site.

Over the span of five days, four organizers and two International representatives canvassed the Local 235 region. They spent one day canvassing the Sarnia area, three days in the Windsor and Tecumseh areas and the final day in Chatham, handing out pamphlets with QR codes that link to a SMART landing page. Simultaneously, a coordinated blitz was launched on Facebook and Instagram, advertising and promoting the same landing page and upcoming work opportunities.

The landing page analytics revealed a total of 52 submitted interest forms. Local 473 (London, Ontario) Organizer Patrick Gordon scheduled numerous in-person meetings, some leading to organizing campaigns with nonunion companies. Additionally, they compiled a list of close to 70 potential new members with various levels of experience.

From left to right: Bowen LaFave, Scott McQueen, Patrick Gordon, Craig Taylor, Tim Last and Carm Corsaro

Excellent job by Patrick Gordon setting up pinned locations of nonunion sites in the area so time was not wasted finding sites and workers. Outstanding job by the organizers involved: Tim Last of Local 537 (Hamilton, Ontario), Bowen LaFave of Local 30 (Toronto), Carm Corsaro of Local 285 (Toronto), Patrick Gordon and International Representatives Craig Taylor and Scott McQueen.

Recognition of dedication

On February 29, 2024, International Representative for Atlantic Canada Leonard Day retired. Brother Day joined Local 437 (Saint John, New Brunswick) in 1984 and became a journeyperson in 1986. He served in various roles in his local union, including trustee, vice president and business manager/financial secretary-treasurer from 2002–2014. He held numerous positions at the national level as president of the Eastern Conference, president of the Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers, and on the Board of Trustees for the Local Union & Council Pension Plan.

In 2014, he was appointed by former General President Joseph Nigro as International representative and sat as a board member on both the General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and the National Maintenance Council for Canada.

On behalf of all the members, thank you for your years of dedication and service, and may you enjoy a long and healthy retirement with your wife, Della, your family and especially the grandkids!

I remain, fraternally yours, 

Chris Paswisty
Director of Canadian Affairs