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On March 28, the Government of Canada released the 2023 Federal Budget, which included strong investments to build Canada’s green economy. The definition of prevailing wage outlined in this budget is one of the strongest in Canada’s history. Tying incentives to a prevailing wage that incorporates union compensation, including benefits and pension contributions, will raise workers’ living standards, maximize benefits for the entire economy and create good-paying, middle-class jobs as Canada transitions to sustainable energy.

The government has an opportunity to make significant progress towards Canada’s net-zero goals. We applaud Natural Resources Canada for obtaining and considering the diverse perspectives and impacts its net-zero strategy may have; now it is time to make bold moves to decarbonize buildings. Canada is falling behind on its Pan-Canadian Framework measures, and an increase in retrofit rates, from 1% to 3-5%, is required to reduce green-house gases emissions. For Canada to meet its goals, regulations must include time-bound commitments for net-zero emissions and energy efficiency standards.

Industry is ready to support this transition. We are ready to grow and meet the demand by welcoming Canadians into the skilled trades, and we will collaborate with the government to continue driving Canadians towards a career in the trades. Students, minority groups, new Canadians and transitioning workers should continue to be a priority.

As Canada pursues the retrofitting of all buildings to hit net-zero emissions by 2050, SMART members will play a critical role.

The Canada Green Buildings Strategy cannot leave any Canadian behind and must include cooperation with provincial, municipal and Indigenous governments, as well as appropriate provisions of support. Without a strategy to support low-income Canadians, Canada will not achieve net-zero emissions. These five million Canadians have been largely left out of the energy transition to date – even though low-income family dwellings tend to account for a significantly higher proportion of emissions in housing building stock. The green buildings strategy must also consider the unique characteristics and needs of Indigenous housing. We must continue to make this a priority.

On June 15, forward progress continued when the government tabled Bill C-50, which addresses Canada’s transition to a carbon neutral economy while supporting workers and creating sustainable jobs. Among other things, this bill would create a sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to encourage sustainable job creation and support workers and communities, as well as establish a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan and Secretariat. As Canada pursues the retrofitting of all buildings to hit net-zero emissions by 2050, SMART members will play a critical role. HVAC uses 35% of the energy in buildings (up to 65% in the residential sector); energy efficiency improvements will reduce carbon emissions. We must use our expertise and be a resource for local, provincial and the federal government in achieving sustainability goals.

To close: On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank retired General President Joseph Sellers for his years of dedication and service during a career of passion and advocacy, of representing workers in all sectors, from the local to the International level. You have been a strong leader and a voice for the inclusion of all workers in our organization, ensuring that we have each other’s back. The programs and initiatives that you fostered and promoted will be a great legacy for SMART. We wish you a long and healthy retirement, enjoying time for yourself and Beth along with friends and family!

In Solidarity,

Chris Paswisty
Director of Canadian Affairs

Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of myself and the SMART General Executive Council, I’d like to wish all our Canadian brothers and sisters, and your families, a happy Canada Day.

Canada Day commemorates the day of Canada’s Confederation in 1867 – and this year, the holiday arrives on the back of major progress for our union.

On March 28, the Government of Canada released the 2023 Federal Budget, which included strong investments to build Canada’s green economy, as well as one of the strongest definitions of prevailing wage in Canadian history. By tying incentives for tax credits to a prevailing wage that incorporates union compensation, including benefits and pension contributions, this Federal Budget will raise workers’ living standards and create good-paying, middle-class jobs as we build our green energy future.

The federal government continues to invest in the Union Training Innovation Program, which provides new funding streams for our local unions and training centers. And Canada’s net-zero goal, which requires the retrofitting of all buildings across our country, will put sheet metal workers and roofers on jobs for years to come.

These are huge victories that could not have been won without the perseverance and advocacy of our Canadian members. But we still have much to achieve.

Canada’s green energy goals will create a workforce demand that will require our union to grow. In order to do so, we must collaborate with the government to bring more workers into the skilled trades; organize in municipalities and provinces across our nation; and make sure we are present in every community, ready to lift Canadians of all backgrounds into a union career.

Workers in every industry and sector are fighting for better treatment and working conditions, and we all have a role to play in helping those workers achieve the freedom and dignity of a union career. That includes our Indigenous brothers and sisters, women, people of color and other communities that have been marginalized throughout Canada’s history. When we build a labour movement that is inclusive and welcoming of all Canadian workers, we will be truly unstoppable.

Finally, as you celebrate Canada Day with loved ones, I want to encourage all of us to honour the generations of Canadians who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and democracy.

Happy Canada Day – enjoy the holiday, and please stay safe.

Fall Economic Statement

SMART appreciates the federal government’s continued investment in the Union Training Innovation Program (UTIP) — a vehicle for new training dollars for our local unions and training centres. We were pleased with the additional language in the Fall Economic Statement linking tax subsidies and credits for green energy technologies in the private sector to good-paying, middle class jobs with commitments to apprenticeships. We recommend that the eligibility of the tax credit is dependent on meeting prevailing wage requirements. The prevailing wage should be determined by the best total wage package (including benefits and pension) available in the province, to ensure the creation of the best job opportunities and attract Canadians to the skilled trades.

Also announced in the Fall Economic Statement: the Investment Tax Credits for Clean Tech and Clean Hydrogen, meant to make Canada competitive with the tax credits announced in the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act. The transition to net-zero is a once-in-a-lifetime economic shift, not seen since the industrial revolution. Let’s make sure Ottawa understands that these tax credits must be tied to the best wages and benefits for skilled trades workers. That includes creating more opportunities for apprentices and equity-deserving groups to start a career in the trades.

Other highlights from the Fall Economic Statement include:

  • $250M for sustainable jobs investments, including the creation of a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the UTIP and a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.
  • $26.3M over five years, starting in 2023-24, for the government to take stronger action against non-compliant employers through orders, fines and prosecutions to enforce the Canada Labour Code.
  • $1.02B to Service Canada to process EI and OAS claims faster while reducing the EI claims backlog, and $574 million to reduce EI and OAS call centre wait times.
  • Making all Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans permanently interest-free, including those currently being repaid, beginning on April 1, 2023.
  • Introducing two new refundable tax credits for the capital cost of investments in clean technologies and clean hydrogen production. For both tax credits, the government will incentivize companies to create good jobs by scaling access to the tax credit for companies that pay prevailing wages based on local labour market conditions and ensure that apprenticeship training opportunities are being created.
  • The announcement of the government’s intention to introduce a corporate-level 2% tax that would apply on the net value of all types of share buybacks by public corporations in Canada, similar to a recent measure introduced in the United States.
  • $137 million for the CBSA to enhance frontline capacity and hire additional officers to alleviate border pressures and prevent prohibited or restricted goods from entering Canada.

The transition to net-zero is a once-in-a-lifetime economic shift, not seen since the industrial revolution. Let’s make sure Ottawa understands that these tax credits must be tied to the best wages and benefits for skilled trades workers.

Thank you to all the members, building trades unions and staff who have been actively sending letters and lobbying on these issues. The Liberal/ NDP Cooperation Agreement in parliament has also been instrumental in these progressive initiatives.

Eastern Conference Meeting

On March 14, Locals 56, 409, 437 and 512 gathered in Sydney, Nova Scotia for the first of their biannual meetings. Topics included ongoing projects, happenings in each of the local areas, organizing and the upcoming Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers, which will be held on July14–15, 2023 in Saskatchewan.

The Eastern Conference also held its first apprentice competition, established to help apprentices have a better understanding of what to expect at the national level. All three apprentices were very nervous at the start of the day but quickly eased into the program and worked hard to complete their project. Thank you to Local 56 for graciously hosting the conference and apprenticeship competition! A job well done by all. Congratulations to Alex Hachey, Nick Skerry and Mitch Campbell, who finished first, second and third, respectively.

Legislative Conference 2023

The theme of the Canadian Building Trades Unions legislative conference this May is “Building Jobs for Tomorrow.” There will be two workshops available to delegates. “Carbon Capture and Storage” will be presented by Pathways Alliance — an organization representing Canada’s six largest oil sands companies — on its project to build one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage facilities in the oil sands region of northern Alberta. The other workshop is on hydrogen. We will hear from Bear Head Energy on Nova Scotia projects to produce green hydrogen and ammonia and the employment opportunities that such innovative projects will provide for our members in the construction industry.

According to the Canadian Hydrogen Strategy, hydrogen could meet 24% of global energy demand by 2050 and help Canada meet its climate goals. The hydrogen sector is expected to create 350,000 well-paying jobs over the next three decades. As Canada sets its target for net-zero emissions by 2050 and continues retrofitting all buildings across Canada, the need for our highly skilled members to carry out this work is vital. Our members can help reduce our carbon footprint.

Recognition of Dedication

On December 31, 2022, International Representative Mark Curtis retired after 42 years of active service.

During his distinguished career, Brother Curtis served the members of Local 276 (Victoria) as business manager/financial secretary-treasurer, president of the Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers and in the International Association, where he sat as a General Executive Council member and third general vice president before being appointed as international representative for Western Canada.

Brother Curtis graduated from high school in 1977 and began his sheet metal apprenticeship in 1980, earning his journeyperson’s ticket in February 1985. He worked on the architectural side for various employers including Universal Sheet Metal, Peak Roofing, Central Sheet Metal and Victoria Shipyard. In 1999, he was elected as business manager of Local 276, a position he held until 2015, when he was appointed by then General President Joseph Nigro to represent Canada as an international representative.

Brother Curtis has worked tirelessly for architectural sheet metal to be recognized as a Red Seal trade in Canada. During his career he has represented on various industry committees and councils such as:

  • Liaison Dockyard Council
  • Vancouver Island Building and Construction Trades Council
  • Vancouver Island Metal Trades Council
  • Trustee of Local 276 Health Plan & Pension Plan
  • Vancouver Island Joint Apprenticeship Committee
  • Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers
  • Local Union & Council Pension Plan Trustee (Canada)
  • Third General Vice President of the International Association

In February 2023, at a meeting of the Western Canadian Conference of Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers, Brother Curtis was presented with a plaque of recognition for his service. On behalf of all the members, thank you for your years of dedication and service, and may you have a long and healthy retirement enjoying time with your wife, Nola, your friends, family and especially the grandkids!

In Solidarity,

Chris Paswisty
Director of Canadian Affairs

In September 2022, SMART Local 280 (Vancouver, British Columbia) led the SMART Army’s involvement in the annual Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research. Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist who, after losing a leg to cancer, embarked on a cross-Canada run in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although cancer eventually forced him to end his quest, and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting legacy in Canada and around the world. 

“For 143 days, Terry Fox ran a marathon a day,” Local 280 Business Representative Jeff Lind explained during an episode of SMART News. “He ran through rain and snow and wind, humidity. He stopped in almost 400 towns and just talked about why he was running. He was starting at 4:30 in the morning and usually didn’t finish until about 7pm at night.”

Watch Jeff Lind discuss the Terry Fox Run on SMART News.

“He’s a legend in Canada,” Lind added. “And I think we all know somebody who’s been affected by cancer. So … if I look at SMART Army as a whole and our SMART membership, internationally, that was something I looked at and I thought ‘What can we all do together?’ You know, being in a union, the solidarity behind it … I thought, this is something we could do not just in Canada with the locals, but across the International.”

The Local 280 SMART Army team exceeded its $1,000 fundraising goal during the 2022 run, raising $1,575 for the Terry Fox Foundation to fund cancer research. And in spring 2023, the Terry Fox Run honored the local’s participation with a Certificate of Appreciation plaque, writing: “We are grateful for your team’s no-quit attitude, for setting a positive example for others, and for showing compassion for cancer patients.”

Congratulations, Local 280!

SMART members work to manufacture electric public transportation vehicles at BYD in Los Angeles, an example of the green union jobs SMART is pursuing.
SMART members work on green union jobs across our two nations, including the manufacturing of electric vehicles and transit systems.

Earth Day represents both an annual celebration of our natural environment and a call to action for our planet, our jobs and our families. Awareness continues to grow regarding the damaging effects of climate catastrophe, and governments are reacting accordingly by shifting towards green economic and energy systems. From offshore wind farms, to public school retrofitting, to electric vehicle battery manufacturing, climate change is requiring new innovations across all sectors of North America’s workforce.

SMART members have been on the forefront of green union jobs for decades. Buildings account for about 40% of total energy use in the United States, with more than 35% of the energy generated in the U.S. used to operate buildings’ HVAC systems. SMART’s manufacturing members produce energy efficient air movement equipment, heating and cooling machinery and insulated duct systems. Across our two nations, these production workers build dedicated outside air systems (DOAS) units, rooftop units, water-source heat pumps, underfloor air distribution systems and chilled beams – all designed to increase energy efficiency and keep our buildings running smoothly. These green, leading-edge technologies are not only designed and manufactured by SMART members; our union sheet metal workers install the products as well.

A SMART production member at work at BYD in Los Angeles.
A SMART member installs HVAC ductwork.

Members of the SMART Transportation Division are also doing their part to reduce harmful pollution, particularly in the transit sector. Whether moving passengers from point A to point B on electric buses in California or bringing citizens to work on commuter rail systems in Chicago, New Jersey and beyond, TD workers are helping accomplish the dual achievement of reducing automobile emissions and efficiently and safely transporting Americans to their destinations. And at BYD in Los Angeles, the sheet metal and transportation sectors combine, as SMART Local 105 members help manufacture electric busses for local communities.  

“Whether schools, hospitals, offices or apartment buildings, SMART workers are helping reduce energy output and keeping our nations working in cleaner, healthier ways,” said SMART General President Joseph Sellers, Jr. “These green union jobs are vital for our countries and our membership.”

SMART Local 0023 bus drivers pose for a picture in front of a bus.
SMART Local 0023 members working for Santa Cruz Metro.

In Canada, meanwhile, the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has placed a new emphasis on SMART’s skilled workforce.

“The transition to net-zero is a once-in-a-lifetime economic shift, not seen since the industrial revolution, and it is absolutely vital that this work is performed by union members,” noted SMART Director of Canadian Affairs Chris Paswisty. “Whether retrofitting buildings across Canada to increase energy efficiency, performing indoor air quality work or installing green roofs, the incentives included in the 2023 Federal Budget will put our members’ labour in high demand, creating green union jobs.”

The electric vehicle industry has proven to be fertile ground for SMART, with hundreds of members currently working to build EV battery factories in states like Kentucky and Ohio. But the burgeoning sector also presents a warning – unlike the “Big Three” automakers of old, many electric vehicle manufacturers are extremely nonunion. That’s why SMART members and locals must do more than merely take on the green energy work of today, Sellers added. Labor needs to organize and engage lawmakers to ensure the economy of tomorrow works for future generations.

“There was once a time when green energy goals were at odds with the labor movement. But SMART sheet metal and transportation workers know the importance of ensuring the jobs of the future are good, family-sustaining, green union jobs,” he explained. “Across our two nations, SMART members and local unions must push our communities to adopt green energy policies with strong labor standards attached – from decarbonizing schools in Rhode Island to installing green roofing technology in Canada. We will continue bringing workers into our union to meet these new workforce needs, and work with our elected officials to make this transition to green energy with union labor.”

The Government of Canada released its 2023 Federal Budget on March 28, 2023, outlining the government’s priorities for the near and long-term future. Importantly for union construction workers and SMART members, the 2023 budget makes enormous investments in a green energy system that will be largely built by union labor.

“Building on the supports for green technologies announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, including the Investment Tax Credits for Clean Technology and Hydrogen, the Budget included expansions to the previous credits along with an Investment Tax Credit for Clean Electricity and for Clean Technology Manufacturing,” Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) Executive Director Sean Strickland said in a statement following the release of the budget. “… Tying these incentives to Prevailing Wage that includes union compensation, including benefits and pension contributions, will raise the standard of living for all workers, maximize benefits for the entire economy and create a legacy of good paying, middle-class jobs throughout this transition.”

The definition of prevailing wage in the federal budget would be based “on union compensation, including benefits and pension contributions from the most recent, widely applicable multiemployer collective bargaining agreement, or corresponding project labour agreements, in the jurisdiction within which relevant labour is employed.” Additionally, the budget specifies that at least 10% of tradesperson hours worked must be performed by registered apprentices in the Red Seal trades – which include sheet metal and roofing – and the government intends to apply prevailing wage and registered apprentice requirements to the Investment Tax Credit for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage, and the Investment Tax Credit for Clean Electricity.

“The transition to net-zero is a once-in-a-lifetime economic shift, not seen since the industrial revolution, and it is absolutely vital that this work is performed by union members,” noted SMART Director of Canadian Affairs Chris Paswisty. “Whether retrofitting buildings across Canada to increase energy efficiency, performing indoor air quality work or installing green roofs, the incentives included in the 2023 Federal Budget will put our members’ labour in high demand.”

Brothers and sisters,

The past year was a year of progress for SMART, the Canadian Building Trades Unions (CBTUs) and the labour movement.

In the April federal budget, the Canadian government implemented the Labour Mobility Tax Deduction for Tradespeople, which assists employees when traveling for work. Our members deserve thanks for sending letters to their MPs in support of this important measure. Other wins for workers in the 2022 budget included the doubling of the Union Training and Innovation Program and new investments in green technologies, which will play a crucial role in creating jobs as we transition to net zero.

On Earth Day, we brought attention to “Building It Green,” a federally funded project of the CBTUs that aims to analyze the construction industry’s role in building and maintaining net-zero projects. This project demonstrates that governments, industry and workers can work together to achieve environmental protection and economic development.

The CBTUs were also responsible for several workforce development initiatives in 2022. They created the “Construction Trades Hub,” an online recruitment tool that allows workers to explore opportunities in skilled trades, and also launched “In The Trades” — a federally funded program that aims to connect 4,000 first-year Red Seal apprentices with small and medium-sized unionized contractors over the next two years.

If we each commit to bringing at least one non-union worker into the ranks of organized labour, we will be making a difference — a difference for that one worker, his or her family, and our great union.

After two long years of virtual meetings, SMART members were finally able to meet in person in August in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, for the 46th annual Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers. Apprenticeship competitions were held at the convention for both sheet metal and roofing. I want to congratulate host Local 512 and its business manager/ financial secretary-treasurer, brother Gerard Murphy, for an outstanding convention.

High-profile events with federal politicians were also a feature of 2022. In the fall, we held an announcement of the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan at the Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario with Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser; we were pleased to see that immigration policy seems to be prioritizing the entry of skilled workers — a crucial step in addressing labour shortages. Most notably, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dropped by the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Centre in early September, where he learned about the hands-on training that our apprentices receive.

November proved to be a memorable month for the labour movement. When the Ford government in Ontario invoked the “notwithstanding clause” in Bill 28 to override our Charter right to collective bargaining, the labour movement brought the full weight of its influence to bear and forced the government to repeal the bill. Later that month, an Ontario court struck down Bill 124, which had imposed limits on public sector wages. Although the government intends to appeal the decision, the labour movement has clearly announced itself as a force to be reckoned with when our sacred rights are threatened.

Finally, November 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the roofers section of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (now SMART) in Toronto. On November 12, 1952, the roofers held their historic first meeting and reported that certification had been received in respect of four roofing firms. As the government looks to reduce emissions and retrofit buildings, the roofing sector will continue to thrive, and the skills of our members will be increasingly in demand. Congratulations on 70 years!

May the new year bring health and prosperity to all our members, along with the conviction to build upon our success. We must continue to educate and motivate each other to do the best we can. If we each commit to bringing at least one non-union worker into the ranks of organized labour, we will be making a difference — a difference for that one worker, his or her family, and our great union.

In Solidarity,

Chris Paswisty
Director of Canadian Affairs

On September 2nd, just ahead of Labour Day 2022, we had the honour of hosting Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of National Defence and local MP for Oakville Anita Anand, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Safety and local MP for Oakville North-Burlington Pam Damoff, and Parliamentary Secretary for Labour and MP for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan. They attended a cookout and toured the Provincial Ontario Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Centre (OSMWTC) in Oakville, Ontario.

In his address, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke about the importance of the skilled trades in Canada, thanking trade union members across the country for our work in standing up for a better Canada and recognizing that we are essential partners in how we build a better future for everyone.

During the tour, we emphasized the importance of indoor air quality and verification of proper ventilation. We spoke about the importance of fire dampers and the need for ongoing inspections to ensure that they are properly functioning — and the hazard that could occur when they are not installed correctly. The apprentices attending the centre had the opportunity to give Prime Minister Trudeau a hands-on training experience by taking a flat sheet of metal and producing a length of duct ready for installation. The prime minister was also presented with a copper clock on our behalf.

In his address, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke about the importance of the skilled trades in Canada, thanking trade union members across the country for our work in standing up for a better Canada and recognizing that we are essential partners in how we build a better future for everyone.

In turn, we thanked the government for its recommitment of $84 million to the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). These grants support the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen union-based apprenticeship training, innovation and enhanced partnerships.

The UTIP’s objective is to improve the quality of training in the trades to better support a skilled, inclusive, certified and productive trades workforce. It also aims to address barriers that prevent key groups, such as women and Indigenous people, from succeeding in the trades. Our training centres and locals across the country have benefited from the program.

Events like the one at OSMWTC are important for both our union and our country. As Canada sets its target for net zero emissions by 2050 and begins retrofitting all buildings across Canada — and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to elevate the importance of ventilation, proper fresh air intakes and the increasing of air exchanges — the demand for our highly skilled workers will continue to grow.

At SMART Canada, our members are qualified professionals and certified tradespeople dedicated to all aspects of roofing, architectural cladding, custom sheet metal and complete ventilation systems. Our sheet metal members fabricate and install proper ventilation and air filtering systems to ensure the overall health of our schools, offices, hospitals and homes. Our roofing and architectural members play a vital role in the building envelope by enhancing and protecting the investments of the project.

Pictured Left to Right — Parliamentary Secretary for Labour and MP for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades General Vice President and Chair of CBTU Robert Kucheran, Management Co-Chair of OSMWTC and Vice President Estimation of Modern Niagara Kim Crossman, Labour Co-Chair of OSMWTC & Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 397 Dan Krupa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Provincial Building & Construction Trades of Ontario Business Manager Marc Arsenault, Executive Director of OSMWTC Scott Wood, President of the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers’ & Roofers’ Conference and Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 30 Art White and Minister of National Defence and local MP for Oakville Anita Anand.

The building envelope keeps outside elements, such as moisture and humidity, from entering and causing major damage. Envelope components are designed to prevent water leakage or infiltration to the interior by a barrier system that repels and sheds water at the outermost surface. As the building envelope becomes more efficient, the supply of fresh air into buildings is vital.

And most important to the quality of air in buildings is the upgrading and improving of air filtering and HVAC system capacities — another area of expertise for SMART workers. Whether it is cleaning the air within the buildings or cleaning the air before it’s dispersed into the atmosphere, we play an important role to ensure that the air we breathe is fit for human consumption.

Pictured Left to Right — Management Co-Chair of OSMWTC and Vice President Estimation of Modern Niagara Kim Crossman, Labour Co-Chair of OSMWTC & Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 397 Dan Krupa, Minister of National Defence and local MP for Oakville Anita Anand, Executive Director of OSMWTC Scott Wood, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President of the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers’ & Roofers’ Conference and Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 30 Art White.

We must collectively use our expertise and meet with local, provincial and the federal government to be a resource in achieving climate and clean air goals. If we don’t have healthy buildings and healthy homes, we won’t have healthy communities, healthy cities or healthy citizens. We partner with our signatory contractors across Canada to supply generations of hands-on experience and a commitment to safety on every project. Together, we are building strong communities for a better tomorrow — and we need to make sure our governments know.

We want to thank the staff at the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre and the Canadian Building Trades Union, and especially all the apprentices and volunteers for hosting Prime Minister Trudeau. A special thanks to Executive Director Sean Strickland, Government Relations Specialist Rita Rahmati and Director of Communications Kate Walsh at the CBTU, Executive Director Scott Wood and Administrative Assistant Tanja Gaytan at the OSMWTC and Carolyn Crosby, administrative assistant at the SMART Canadian office. It was their collective efforts and hard work in making this a successful event. We are truly grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to showcase the skills and the ability of our membership.

In Solidarity,

Chris Paswisty
Director of Canadian Affairs

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the SMART Ontario Training Centre on Friday, September 2, where he celebrated Labour Day weekend with SMART members, local leadership and Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) Sean Strickland, among others. Along with welcoming the prime minister and discussing policy initiatives, like investments in apprenticeships and workforce development, SMART members presented Trudeau with a copper clock.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stops by the Canadian Building Trades Union and the Sheet Metal Workers Union BBQ to highlight Labour Day, at the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre in Oakville, Ontario, on Friday, September 2nd, 2022.

In June 2022, the SM Local 473 (London, Ontario) SMART Army conducted a food drive, donating 225 pounds of food, a $1,000 check and $150 cash to the London Food Bank Curb Hunger Food Drive.

Pictured L–R: London Food Bank staff member, Local 473 Business Manager Mark Hall, Vice President Albert Morgado, Organizer Patrick Gordon.