OTTAWA — Leaders of Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) have announced they participated in a call with federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough to deliver the message that their workers are eager to help revive the economy once the COVID-19 crisis subsides.
“Looking ahead, as the largest private training provider in the country, we want to work with government to utilize existing funding mechanisms to get Canadians back to work,” said Kevin Bryenton, general vice-president of the Ironworkers, in an April 9 statement. “The importance of training and the opportunities that exist through our apprenticeship programs will create a path forward for Canadians, including underrepresented groups, to obtain a lifelong career and participate in building vital infrastructure that will help reinvigorate the economy coming out of this.”
The statement said ensuring workers have the optimum personal protective equipment available is the number one priority of the CBTU during the COVID-19 crisis. The discussions with the minister also addressed access to funding mechanisms for workers who have been laid off, the release stated, and that gaps within that funding must be dealt with.
“We are pleased with the efficiency of the financial supports that the government has put in place to help workers and employers during this difficult and challenging time, and we look forward to continuing to work with the government to address any gaps in funding to ensure our members, and all Canadians, don’t get left behind,” said Lionel Railton, Canadian regional director for the International Union of Operating Engineers.
“We have had a significant number of members report that they have applied for and already received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and we appreciate the government’s impressive responsiveness to the economic needs of Canadians at this unprecedented time. Looking ahead, we are prepared to work with government to get people back to work. The construction sector and future infrastructure spending will play a significant role in kick-starting our economy moving forward,” said Joe Mancinelli, international vice-president of LIUNA Canada.
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