Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU)

Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU) serves as the national voice for over 600,000 skilled trades workers across Canada, representing members of 14 international unions working in more than 60 different trades and occupations. Headquartered in Ottawa, CBTU's core mission is to advocate for public policy and work opportunities that enhance the lives and working conditions of its members within the building, construction, fabrication, and maintenance industries.

The organization provides a range of services including advocacy, workforce development, engagement, and communications. It actively promotes improved pensions, health and safety programs, and comprehensive apprenticeship and journeyperson training. CBTU invests over $300 million annually into 197 union training centers across Canada, supporting workers engaged in residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure projects. Key initiatives include the "Build Together" program, which focuses on the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups such as Indigenous Peoples, New Canadians, and women, as well as an Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Sean Strickland and Canadian Executive Board Chair Robert Kucheran, CBTU maintains a prominent market position as a key advocate for unionized construction workers. Recent activities include welcoming federal government investments in apprenticeship and training programs, such as the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) funding and the Labour Mobility Tax Deduction. The organization also champions national safety training harmonization and supports legislative efforts like Bill C-5, aimed at establishing a federal major projects office and streamlining regulatory processes.