About Us
The Building Trades of Alberta coordinates and promotes the interests of 18 local Alberta trade unions whose more than 60,000 members work in the residential, commercial and industrial construction, maintenance, and fabrications industries.
Providing Expert & Honest Service Since 1906
How It All Started…
The Building Trades of Alberta traces its history back to 1906.
In that year, the Edmonton Trades and Labour Council applied for and received its charter on August 1, 1906.
The charter members were the Lathers Local 205, Plumbers Local 488, Typographers Local 604, Bricklayers Local 1, Painter Local 1016, and Carpenters Local 1325.
Our History
From the Edmonton Trades and Labour Council, the Edmonton Building and Construction Trades Council was formed, receiving its charter on July 15 1946. From the Edmonton Building and Construction Trades Council, the Northern Alberta and District of MacKenzie Building and Construction Trades Council was formed and received a charter on March 1st, 1976.
Building Trades of Alberta is allied with Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU). This national organization is an alliance of 14 building and construction unions, representing more than 500,000 skilled building trades workers in Canada. CBTU originated more than 100 years ago.
Councils
At an international level, the Canadian Executive Board is one of seven standing committees that provide policy support to the governing board of the Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD). At a national level, the Building Trades of Alberta joins other Provincial Councils of Canada’s Building Trades Unions. At a provincial level, the Building Trades of Alberta has a provincial council and two local councils. The councils represent members’ interests in their jurisdictions and work to improve provincial labour laws and educational standards.
Board Members
The Executive Board of the Provincial Council conducts the business of the Council between Conventions. Among other responsibilities, the Executive Board is responsible for the strategic direction of the BTA, the financial well-being of the organization, the hiring of the Executive Director, and reporting to stakeholders on priorities and results.
Rod McKay, Chairman, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488
George Emery, Financial Secretary Treasurer
Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Local 222
Ken Coghill, International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Local 1
Shawn Griffin, Sheet Metal Workers International Local 8
Shauntelle Hollett, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 17
John Desrosiers, Construction & General Workers Local 92
Stacy Edmondson, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 110
Jeffrey Mitchell, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 122
Jeff Metzger, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 130
Trevor Robertson, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 496
Bernie Haggarty, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 362
Mike Reinhart, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 424
Bill Franklin, UNITE HERE! Local 47
Keith Stevenson, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 720
Jason Smart, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Ironworkers – Local 725
Chris Nash, The Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers Local 1325
William McLeod, Millwrights, Machinery Erectors and Maintenance Union (Alberta Regional Council) Local 1460
News
Want to stay in the know? Browse our recent News posts below!
Building Trades Unions Make Strides in Alberta Apprenticeship Training
As the demand for skilled labour surges in Alberta, Building Trades of Alberta (BTA)-affiliated...
Carney Visits Calgary Ironworkers Local 725, Poilievre Holds Rally in Edmonton
With the 2025 Canadian Federal Election just a few weeks away the leaders of each major party are...
BTA Executive Board Visits NOVA Chemicals Joffre Site
To strengthen ties and explore collaborative opportunities, the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA)...