Sr. Estimator, Cladding – Edmonton, Alta. – United Roofing
Project Manager – London, Ont. – Bre-Ex Construction
Director, Building Permits – Coquitlam, B.C. – City of Coquitlam
Senior Construction Project Manager, Commercial + Projects – North Vancouver, B.C. – Naikoon Contracting
Senior Estimator – Calgary, Alta. – Graham
Senior Technology Project Manager – Mississauga, Ont. – EllisDon
The Ontario government is investing over $9 million to train approximately 2,300 manufacturing and construction sector workers in Windsor. This includes a $4.7 million investment to build a new training facility for local electrical workers through the new $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream. This brings Ontario’s total investment in Windsor workers through SDF since 2021 to over $15.6 million.
“With its long history as a manufacturing powerhouse, Windsor is at the heart of our government’s plan to bring good-paying manufacturing jobs, including in the growing electric vehicle and battery sector, back to Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s more than $9 million in investments from our government’s Skills Development Fund will support the world-class workers here in Windsor who are rebuilding Ontario’s economy by ensuring they have the skills and training they need to secure better jobs and bigger paycheques for years to come.”
The funding comes from both the Training and Capital streams of the SDF, which are designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades. These projects include:
“As Ontario leads the world in electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing, our government is proud to work with labour and industry partners to ensure auto workers in Windsor and across the province have the opportunities and skills to thrive in this rapidly growing sector,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through our Skills Development Fund, we’re providing cutting-edge training programs and building a new training facility in Windsor to deliver better training, better jobs and bigger paychecks for thousands more auto workers who are driving our economy forward.”
Applications are open for the government’s fifth round of SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding, the largest funding round since the fund launched in 2021. With the fifth round of SDF Training Stream and the Capital Stream, this brings the government’s investment up to $1.4 billion to grow Ontario’s workforce for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Vice President, Engineering – Toronto, Ont. – Bruce Power
Director of Construction – Calgary, Alta. – SunGrid
Leader, Project Management – Calgary, Alta. – City of Calgary
Project Director, Commercial – Edmonton, Alta. – Bird Construction
Senior Project Manager – Sudbury, Ont. – Stantec
General Manager – Ashton, Ont. – Thomas Cavanagh Developments
Senior Civil Project Manager – Toronto, Ont. – PCL Construction
The Ontario government is investing over $26 million to build a new training centre at LiUNA 183’s skilled trades training campus in Vaughan.
This investment comes from the province’s new $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, which was announced by Premier Doug Ford in June 2023. The funding is expected to support the training of more than one million workers across Ontario.
With this new training centre, LiUNA 183 will be able to train nearly 50,000 additional new workers, doubling their current training capacity to almost 100,000 workers, for in-demand careers in construction across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), such as bricklaying, heavy equipment operators and concrete finishing.
“Through our new $224 million Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, our government is continuing to support the world-class Ontario workers who are rebuilding our province’s economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I’m so pleased that we are able to work with LiUNA 183 to help nearly 50,000 additional workers from across the GTA access the skills and training they need to find better jobs and bigger paycheques in the skilled trades.”
As part of this capital project, LiUNA 183 will build a new industrial workshop and new classrooms on their Vaughan campus to deliver both hands-on and in-class training, as well as a renovated union hall with increased capacity for the new workers and apprentices. LiUNA’s Vaughan skilled trades campus delivers their largest training program in Canada and offers students the opportunity to build a full-size two-storey residential home within the centre.
“Under Premier Ford, our government has an ambitious plan to build Ontario: from new housing that families can call home, to highways and public transit connecting our communities, and clean energy projects powering our economy,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration Training and Skills Development. “But as a large share of experienced tradespeople are retiring over the coming years, we must transfer the skills and expertise from the Golden Generation of Skilled Tradespeople to the next generation of students. That’s why we’re partnering with LiUNA 183 to train almost 100,000 new construction workers who will leverage the wisdom of experienced tradespeople to build Ontario’s bright future.”
LiUNA 183’s new training centre is an example of how Ontario is partnering with labour organizations, employers, and local organizations through the SDF Capital Stream to increase their capacity to train and upskill workers for in-demand careers in the trades through building, expanding, and repairing training facilities. The SDF Capital Stream program complements the successful SDF Training Stream, through which the government helps organizations deliver training for in-demand careers in the trades, including construction, manufacturing, technology and healthcare.
Applications are open for the government’s fifth round of SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding, the largest funding round since the fund launched in 2021. With the fifth round of SDF Training Stream and the Capital Stream, this brings the government’s investment up to $1.4 billion to grow Ontario’s workforce for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Executive, Client Solutions – Calgary, Alta. – On Side Restoration
Senior Project Manager, High Residential – Toronto, Ont. – Broccolini
Senior Environmental Specialist – Richmond, B.C. – Flatiron Construction
Equipment Superintendent, Highway Maintenance – Kelowna, B.C. – Ledcor
Project Director – Toronto, Ont. – Chandos Construction
Senior Project Manager – Vancouver, B.C. – Turner Construction
Senior Project Manager – Toronto, Ont. – Metrolinx
Senior Project Accountant – Edmonton, Alta. – Ledcor
Superintendent – Winnipeg, Man. – Aecon Group
Senior Estimator – Edmonton, Alta. – PCL Construction
Senior Construction Manager – Vancouver, B.C. – Areva Living
Vice President, Development – Vancouver, B.C. – Grosvenor
Senior Project Manager – Calgary, Alta. – Graham Construction
Senior Site Superintendent – Edmonton, Alta. – Fillmore Construction
Senior Account Executive – Markham, Ont.
Project Manager – North Vancouver, B.C.
Senior Multi-Family Estimator – Calgary, Alta.
Senior Estimator (Townhomes) – Calgary, Alta.
Junior Mechanical Estimator – Markham, Ont.
Senior Project Manager – Newmarket, Ont.
Senior Mechanical Estimator – Markham, Ont.
The governments of Ontario and Nova Scotia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve interprovincial mobility for skilled tradespeople, including post-journeyperson certification.
Ontario is seeking new ways to improve the labour supply and create the opportunity for qualified skilled tradespeople to become certified in Ontario and address labour shortages. At the same time, Nova Scotia aims to create a competitive workforce by opening up pathways into trades for more apprentices and removing barriers for credential recognition to meet labour market demands.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government has an ambitious plan to build the highways, hospitals, and homes our growing communities need, which means we need to create more pathways for apprentices and journeypersons who will help us build Ontario,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Building on the success of our MOU with the Government of Alberta last month, we’re excited to partner with Nova Scotia to improve interprovincial mobility for skilled tradespeople and explore new opportunities with the Atlantic provinces. This will help fill in-demand jobs across both provinces and support our mutual goals of building stronger communities.”
Ontario’s MOU with Nova Scotia builds on the MOU Ontario signed with Alberta in July to collaborate on growing the skilled trades and remove barriers for the flow of labour between these two jurisdictions, complementing ongoing work to harmonize Red Seal trades nationally. Ontario is also working with the governments of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador to exchange innovative ideas on removing the interprovincial barriers in the skilled trades.
“Nova Scotia is a growing province and we need even more skilled trade workers to build our homes and hospitals infrastructure and provide services to Nova Scotians,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “We are making bold decisions to make it easier to fairly assess qualified professionals and improve labour supply.”
The Memorandum of Understanding between Ontario and Nova Scotia will be reviewed in 18 months.
Calgary Construction Association (CCA) is launching a massive effort to teach Alberta children about skilled trades careers and the construction sector.
The association’s Education Fund announced a new collaboration with Honour The Work that will bring a skilled-trades curriculum supplement program to 850 Calgary Classrooms and over 30,000 elementary students this Fall.
Honour the Work, founded by educators and supported by industry leaders, aims to address the skilled trades labour shortage by sparking interest in these careers from an early age. The centerpiece of the program is the curriculum-compliant STEAMS Kits, (Science – Technology – Engineering – Math – Skills) which are designed for grades 1-6 and include hands-on activities that connect classroom learning to real-world skilled trades careers. Each kit features comprehensive lesson plans, curricular expectations, digital resources, building materials, and diverse children’s books about skilled trades.
First launched in Ontario to tremendous success, the Honour the Work program will be piloted in Calgary schools, including both the Calgary Catholic School District and the Calgary Board of Education.
“We are proud that through the Calgary Construction Association Education Fund and our funding partners, we are making one of the largest direct industry investments into elementary school education related to skilled trades in Canadian history,” said CCA officials.
To sustain and expand the Honour the Work program’s reach and impact, the association is seeking additional donations and partnerships. They explained that by supporting the initiative, the industry can help create a generational shift in the perception of skilled trades, empower educators, and provide hands-on learning experiences for thousands of students. They added that this involvement will contribute to addressing the skilled trades labour crisis and ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
“Together, we can make a profound impact on the future of skilled trades and education in our community,” said the association.
Director of Architectural Design – Calgary, Alta. – Jayman BUILT
Site Superintendent – Burnaby, B.C. – Kindred Construction
Site Manager – Alma, Que. – BPDL Bétons Préfabriqués
Director of Construction – Calgary, Alta. – SunGrid
Senior Director, Talent Acquisition – Montreal, Que. – AtkinsRéalis
Senior Project Manager – Vancouver, B.C. – Black & McDonald
Site Superintendent, Civil Construction – Victoria, B.C. – Stone Pacific Contracting
Alberta is putting an “indefinite hold” on the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program for the rest of the fiscal year in response funding cuts from the federal government.
Provincial officials noted that Ottawa unexpectedly announced its decision to cut $70.8 million in Labour Market Transfer Agreement (LMTA) funding for Alberta.
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones stated that he sent several letters to the federal government, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault urging them to reconsider the cuts.
“As a result of this cut, Alberta’s employers will be short roughly $10 million in skills and training funding for 2024-25. This means approximately 1,000 businesses, and the training for up to 4,000 Albertan employees, will be impacted,” said Jones.
He explained that LMTAs support important workforce development programs that help Albertans get the training they need to find and keep good jobs. This includes the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program, which provided nearly $27 million in 2023-24 to Alberta employers so new workers could be properly trained. This funding also supported existing employees in gaining job-related skills, with small- and medium-sized businesses receiving approximately 80% of the overall funding.
“This cut to funding has serious, far-reaching consequences for workers and comes at a time when Alberta continues to face critical skills shortages in several industries, including construction, health care and education,” said Jones. “The Canada-Alberta Job Grant program has helped thousands of Albertans close skills gaps, further strengthening Alberta’s labour market and growing our economy.”
The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) stated that it was “deeply disappointed” by the province’s decision to cut the program and the initiative has been instrumental in the development of a highly skilled workforce within the construction industry.
“The Canada-Alberta Job Grant has been a cornerstone program to bridge the skills gap in the construction industry,” said Bill Black, president and CEO of the association. “In an industry that is constantly evolving and facing a shortage of qualified professionals, this grant has enabled businesses to invest in their employees, ensuring they possess the latest skills and knowledge to meet the demands of modern construction projects while developing a skilled workforce.”
The group explained that the termination of the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program will ultimately and disproportionately affect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the construction industry. They noted that unlike larger corporations that often have the resources to invest independently in workforce training, SMEs heavily rely on this grant to subsidize the costs of upskilling their employees. Without this crucial funding, many smaller businesses will struggle to provide the necessary training to their workforce, hindering their ability to stay competitive, adopt new technologies, and meet evolving industry standards.
The CCA emphasized that investing in workforce development is not just a matter of economic necessity but a strategic priority for the future of industry and province. They stressed that skilled trade workers are the backbone of construction, driving innovation, safety, and quality in every project.
In the next decade, 700,000 of the four million Canadians who work in the trades are expected to retire. Moreover, according to data analyzed by Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trade, there were 7,560 construction trades and management job vacancies in the Calgary economic region in Q3 2023, representing a staggering one-quarter of all job vacancies (30,500) in the city.
“The decision to cut this funding undermines the progress we have made in building a robust and competitive construction workforce in Alberta,” said Black. “We urge both the provincial and federal governments to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions to address the funding gap. Ensuring continuous support for workforce training programs is vital to maintaining Alberta’s competitive edge and achieving long-term economic prosperity.”
The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) has announced an new partnership and historic investment with TELUS Spark Science Centre and the Government of Alberta, cumulating in the launch a pioneering program designed to inspire youth to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
The association explained that as Alberta’s population and economy continue to grow rapidly, demand for skilled tradespeople continues to increase, highlighting the need to encourage youth to consider the skilled trades as a career path. To that end, the Calgary Construction Association Education Fund is investing $100,000 towards the (BLU)print Program – the largest single investment made by the Fund since its inception in 2001.
“The Calgary Construction Association is pleased to support TELUS Spark’s skilled trades and STEAM installation,” said Bill Black, President & CEO, Calgary Construction Association. “This initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to highlighting the rewarding careers offered in construction and our efforts to cultivate a vibrant, skilled workforce that is essential for the growth, success, and sustainability of the construction industry.”
Recognizing the critical need to address the skilled labour shortage and invest in future tradespersons, the CCA is dedicated to fostering the next generation of trades professionals. The group stated that its partnership with TELUS Spark Science Centre will create a series of exploration spaces called BLUprint—standing for “Building, Learning, and You.” These spaces are designed to educate youth about trades-based science concepts in a fun and engaging way. Featuring hands-on activities related to carpentry, plumbing, and electrical trades, BLUprint integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
Phased Approach
“Investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople is crucial for Alberta’s future,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education. “By partnering with TELUS Spark Science Centre, we are creating engaging and educational experiences that inspire young people to explore rewarding careers in the trades. This initiative not only addresses the growing demand for skilled workers but also highlights the importance of STEAM education in building a competitive and innovative workforce.”
In the next decade, 700,000 of the four million Canadians who work in the trades are expected to retire. According to data analyzed by Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trade, there were 7,560 construction trades and management job vacancies in the Calgary economic region in Q3 2023, representing a staggering one-quarter of all job vacancies (30,500) in the city.
Senior Project Coordinator – Peterborough, Ont. – Matheson Constructors
Site Superintendent – Vancouver, B.C. – Kindred Construction
Senior Estimator – Vaughan, Ont. – Buttcon
Digital Construction Coordinator – Winnipeg, Man. – Bird Construction
Superintendent – Calgary, Alta. – Delnor Construction Managers
Senior Project Planner – Pickering, Ont. – CRG Energy Projects
Construction Supervisor – Toronto, Ont. – Formstructures Construction
Controller, Single Family – Calgary, Alta. – Jayman BUILT
The Ontario government has announced it is investing up to an additional $260 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to tackle the province’s labour shortage.
This will be the largest round of funding since the SDF Training Stream was launched in 2021 and brings Ontario’s total investment through the Fund to up to $1.4 billion. The government is also investing over $7.2 million through a previous round of SDF to train nearly 3,300 workers in the Kitchener area and across Ontario.
“Our government’s record investments in the Skills Development Fund are helping connect workers here in Kitchener and across the province to better jobs and bigger paycheques,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By continuing to work for workers and make these important investments, we are also tackling Ontario’s labour shortage and bringing back good-paying jobs in manufacturing and the skilled trades.”
Building on the success of the previous four rounds, Ontario will open the fifth round of SDF Training Stream on July 29, 2024, to address challenges for recruiting, training and upskilling workers for in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, construction and technology. Organizations eligible for funding include employers, employment service, training providers, labour unions, community organizations, business and industry organizations, municipalities, hospitals, Indigenous Band offices, Indigenous skills and employment training agreement holders and service system managers.
“Under Premier Ford, our government has revived our province’s manufacturing and construction sectors – and the key to our success is Ontario’s workers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why our government is launching the biggest round of our Skills Development Fund yet by investing up to $260 million to train even more workers across the province. Whether your passion is developing the next generation of EVs, building nuclear power stations or creating homes for new families, our government is making sure you have the opportunity to thrive.”
The announcement was made in Kitchener, where the government also announced an investment of over $7.2 million through the fourth round of SDF to train nearly 3,300 local workers and jobseekers for careers in manufacturing and construction. This brings Ontario’s total investment in training for Kitchener area workers to over $20 million. These projects include:
Practice Lead – Abbotsford, B.C. – SiteTechnology
Senior Estimator, Pipeline – Edmonton, Alta. – Ledcor
Vice President, Procurement – Toronto, Ont. – Infrastructure Ontario
Estimator, Sewer & Water Construction – Vancouver, B.C. – Castle Rock Enterprises
Senior Construction Project Manger – North Vancouver, B.C. – Naikoon Contracting
Project Manager, Electrical Construction – Vancouver, B.C. – Centre Electric
Design Manager – Nelson, B.C. – Kalesnikoff
Project Engineer – Richmond, B.C. – Flatiron Construction
Superintendent – Winnipeg, Man. – Aecon Group
Construction Project Manager – Saskatoon, Sask. – Saskatchewan Research Council
Virtual Design & Construction Services Manager – Mississauga, Ont. – EllisDon
Project Director, Calgary Greenline – Calgary, Alta. – AtkinsRealis
Senior Risk Manager – Edmonton, Alta. – PCL Construction
National Construction Safety Officer – Calgary, Alta. – Haztech Energy Corp.
Site Superintendent, Civil – Victoria, B.C. – Stone Pacific Contracting
Project Manager, Civil – Kelowna, B.C. – Allnorth Consultants
Senior Estimator/Project Manager, Construction – Vancouver, B.C. – Brighouse Civil
Project Director, Commercial/Institutional – Calgary, Alta. – Bird Construction
Workforce Manager – Vancouver, B.C. – PCL Construction
Environmental Manager, Infrastructure – Burnaby, B.C. – Ledcor
Chief Estimator, Buildings – Toronto, Ont. – Graham
Senior Highway Design Engineer – Nelson, B.C. – BC Public Service
Business Development Director – Toronto, Ont. – Aecon
Senior Environmental Manager – Richmond, B.C. – Flatiron Construction
Senior Marketing Specialist – Markham, Ont. – Premier Construction Software
Project Engineer, Pattullo Bridge Replacement – New Westminster, B.C. – TI Corp
