Canadian Building Trades praises Government of Canada and Minister Flaherty for Bill C-45 and economic opportunities for skilled trades workers

OTTAWA, Oct. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Building Trades commends Minister Flaherty for introduction of Bill C-45 which solidifies the execution of the Economic Action Plan 2012.  Specifically of importance to the skilled trades in Ontario and beyond are the legislative commitments to the DRIC or Windsor-Detroit Bridge.

Robert Blakely, Director of Canadian Affairs, says "this is an enormous opportunity for the Canadian economy, our skilled trades and the partnership we have with our largest trading partner. This bridge construction will employ many hundreds of apprentices and young Canadians who want to learn a craft and contribute to the local Windsor economy. Our calculations indicate about 2.6 million person hours of work are associated with this mega project."

John Telford, Canadian Director of United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) says "this initiative will assist in the long term replenishing of an aging workforce for Canada -it is part of the solution for the labour demand issue."

Robert Kucheran, General Vice President and newly election Chairman of the Canadian Executive board of the Canadian Building Trades says his membership in Ontario is staunchly in favour of this project, the jobs created and the economic opportunity for the entire nation.

Blakely says this project represents an enormous opportunity for Canada, the United States and the people who ought to gain employment on both sides of the border.  The Canadian Building Trades anticipates working closely with all levels of government and private industry on this project to ensure sufficient local content, local materials and deliver value for money for the capital Government of Canada is investing on this project.

About the BCTD

The North America-wide BCTD AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labour - Congress of Industrial Organizations) coordinates activities and provides resources to 15 affiliated trade unions in the construction, maintenance and fabrication industries. industries. In Canada, the BCTD represents 500,000 skilled trades workers.

SOURCE: Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Christopher Smillie
Government Relations and Public Affairs
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