EDMONTON, AB – The Building Trades of Alberta (BTA), will use a generous $650,000 grant from Alberta Health to invest in the well-being of skilled trades professionals. The funding will be used to create an innovative program (Building Resiliency) to promote and raise awareness about the importance of mental health, wellness, resiliency and recovery-informed workplaces in Alberta.

“The rewards of a career in the skilled trades are many, but the unique nature of the profession can mean long stretches away from home, sporadic and unpredictable work schedules and hard, physical work. This can take a toll and sometimes, lead to mental health, addictions and wellness issues,” said BTA Executive Director, Terry Parker. “We want to help.”

The BTA is appreciative of the opportunity to work with the provincial government through Building Resiliency, to educate building trades members on mental health, addictions and wellness, and to help support individuals in recovery return to work quickly and safely. Building Resiliency helps our trade members and helps supply skilled workers to an economy that needs every skilled worker it can get.

“Alberta’s tradespeople have helped build our province into what it is today. We’re pleased to support Building Trades of Alberta and their efforts to improve the health, wellness, resiliency and recovery of skilled workers. Together we can make sure more Albertans struggling with addiction and mental health challenges get the help they need,” said Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

The Building Resiliency initiative will:

– Promote and raise awareness about the importance of mental health, wellness, resiliency, and recovery-informed workplaces for its membership through customized learning modules;

– Work with owners/contractors to establish a peer support program to champion recovery and resiliency;

– Provide training and certification on mental health, wellness, and recovery coaching for identified peer supports on major worksites;

– Provide specialized training to contractors and owners on recovery-informed workplaces;

– Increase availability of highly-skilled workers through active engagement in recovery supports and recovery-informed workplaces; and

– Provide anonymous, self-guided and interactive digital services called Breaking Free, to reduce drug and alcohol use; reduce substance dependence; and improve mental health, quality of life and social functioning. The digital services are also available for members reaching out for assistance for the first time. Trade members can access services on a 24/7 basis wherever the member may be as of Jan. 1, 2023.

The Building Trades of Alberta proudly represents more than 60,000 skilled trades professionals from 18 Alberta union locals, province wide.

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For more information:

Ian Robb, Building Resiliency Project Coordinator: irobb@bta.ca

Tyler Bedford, BTA Director of Communications and Relations: tbedford@bta.ca