We are the Building Trades of Alberta, and we support initiatives that further the economic prosperity of Alberta and benefit the skilled trades workers in our province. We are joined in these campaign by Canada’s Building Trades Unions, our union locals, and the 60,000 men and women who make up the skilled building trades workers of Alberta.
The Building Trades of Alberta believes that community benefit agreements for major public infrastructure projects can be a win-win for developers, small businesses, local communities, the provincial government itself, and, yes, building trades unions. Community benefit agreements can keep jobs in Alberta and promote apprenticeships that train the next generation of skilled building trades workers.
The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX) project is vital to Canada’s national interests and economy. The pipeline will carry diluted bitumen to British Columbia’s coast, providing access to new markets. Construction will mean new well-paid middle class jobs for the skilled trades workers who are members of BTA’s affiliated unions and new apprenticeships for our province’s youth.
Stand Up for Safety is a new industry philosophy shared by all building trade unions in Alberta. Our goal is to empower stakeholders at all levels from apprentice to business owner to have the freedom to talk openly about safety concerns on the job. On every job. Every single day.
We believes in energy independence for North America and support the oil sands and other hydrocarbon developments in Canada in balance with hydroelectric, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar and thermal energy from sources across the country.
Building Trades of Alberta joins with the Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) in this campaign to have the federal government introduce a Construction Mobility Tax Credit—a personal tax exemption on expenses construction workers typically incur when they temporarily relocate for work.
The pipeline projects campaign of Building Trades of Alberta and Canada’s Building Trades Unions is designed to educate the public in communities located along key routes about the benefits of these projects.
CBTU Press Release: Labour Mobility, Skills Shortage
Press release 20 February 2019, CBTU CALLS ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE TAX INCENTIVES TO INCREASE LABOUR MOBILITY, ADDRESS SKILLS SHORTAGE – Inclusion of Community Benefit Agreements in public infrastructure projects one way to address skills shortage, benefit all [...]
“Community Benefits Requirements” Tied to Procurement: A Welcome Opportunity
The February newsletter of the Canadian Construction Association includes an update on its ongoing campaign to remove “community benefits requirements as a condition of procurement”. According to the article, the CCA has been meeting with (lobbying) members of parliament and the [...]
Community Benefit Agreements Can Work for Alberta
In an October 9 Edmonton Journal opinion piece, Ken Kobly, President of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, warns that "Community benefit agreements may not work for Albertans". On the one hand, Kobly raises alarmist cries about special interests, red tape, escalating [...]
CBTU Applauds First Responders at Irving Oil Incident
BTA Media Release October 2018: Canada’s Building Trades Unions Applaud First Responders at Irving Oil Incident October 10, 2018 — Over the weekend, a fire stemming from an explosion occurred at the Irving Oil Refinery, sending some workers to hospital [...]
We’re 75,000 workers speaking up in support of Teck’s new oilsands project
Frontier's new project will add more than $70B to public revenues across the country Downtown Fort McMurray, where thousands of workers contribute to the health of the community. Postmedia file photo The ongoing debate over Canada’s energy resources [...]
Premier Rachel Notley Announces Alberta’s First Community Benefits Agreement at BTA Conference
During Premier Rachel Notley's address to the Building Trades of Alberta 2018 Conference on Wednesday evening, the Premier announced plans for Alberta's first Community Benefit Agreement. Premier Notley is introduced by BTA Executive Director Terry Parker. Premier Notley's Statement [...]