CBTU applauds the passage of Bill C-4 through the House of Commons

OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU) are very pleased with the successful passage of Bill C-4 through the House of Commons, repealing legislation from the prior session's Bill C-377 and Bill C-525. Bob Blakely, CBTU Chief Operating Officer, noted that, "this legislation reflects this government's understanding of the importance of the role that Unions play in the middle class workforce in Canada. We are pleased this was one of the first pieces of Government legislation introduced in the 42nd Parliament."

Bill C-4 undoes two bills that upset the balance in labour relations. The passage of C-4 through the House of Commons is the right thing to do for middle class Canadians.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and ESDC Minister MaryAnn Mihychuck understand that C-377 was punitive legislation which was ideologically driven and not good public policy. CBTU looks forward to working with the Senate to reach the same understandings and the eventual passage of C-4 through that distinguished body and Royal Assent in due course.

Robert Kucheran, Chairman of the Canadian Executive Board of CBTU and General Vice President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), says "this is an important step in the legislative process and we look forward to working with Senate."

The passage of C-4 will ensure that CBTU can continue to represent the interests of skilled trades workers across Canada and help grow Canada's economy.

About CBTU
Canada's Building Trades Unions is an alliance of 14 building and construction unions that represent a membership of more than 500,000 skilled tradespeople across Canada.

SOURCE Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

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