Canada's Building Trades Unions Pleased with Measures in 2016 Federal Budget

OTTAWA, Mar. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada's Building Trades Unions are pleased with the support demonstrated for the skilled trades in this Government's first tabled budget. The Government has funded a number of the measures in the Federal Budget that will serve to both grow the economy and support the development of a future focused construction workforce. 

Particularly notable for Canada's Building Trades Unions is the proposed $85.4 million over five years that is designated to support union-based apprenticeship training.

"The role of training centers has now been fully realized as foundational in the creation of a robust middle class defined by the skilled trades," said Robert Blakely, Canadian Operating Officer of CBTU in Ottawa today.  He went on to say "this government has demonstrated their commitment to economic growth that benefits all Canadians."

The commitment to infrastructure funding is also fundamental to the growth of the economy and middle class jobs. Jim Smith, International Vice President for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in Toronto noted that "Canada's construction industry partners welcome the affirmation of infrastructure funding commitments across this country – it is an important step in replacing Canada's aging infrastructure and creating jobs." He went on to say, "we look forward to working with the government to put members to work on these projects as quickly as possible."

CBTU will continue to work with the Government on Employment Insurance and income tax measures that will facilitate the movement of unemployed Canadians to labour markets where work is available.

About CBTU

The North America-wide Building Trades coordinates activities and provides resources to 15 affiliated trade unions in the construction, maintenance and fabrication industries. In Canada, CBTU represents 500,000 skilled trades workers.

SOURCE Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Christopher Smillie, Government Relations and Public Affairs, Cell: [phone], [email protected]