Statement from CBTU on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Resignation

On behalf of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, we wish to extend our deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his strong leadership and commitment to serving all Canadians. Through his tireless dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable future, he has proven to be a champion for workers and their families. As he steps down as Prime Minister in the coming months, we are grateful for his accomplishments. 

“Under Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership, we have seen significant progress for unionized workers across the country,” said CBTU Executive Director, Sean Strickland. “His government’s support for working Canadians has been instrumental in advancing policies that strengthen the opportunities and rights of our members.” 

Under Trudeau’s leadership, the Liberal government introduced several measures which will form a historic legacy of support for unionized skilled trades workers. These include the long-sought after Labour Mobility Tax Deduction for Tradespeople, which allows tradespersons travelling to find work to deduct their expenses, just like business and salespeople, an important win for tax fairness sought for decades. His government also attached strong labour conditions to the Investment Tax Credits, including requirements to pay the prevailing union wages and hire apprentices as Canada transitions towards a clean economy.  

His relentless focus on equality and providing opportunities to indigenous peoples, women, and visible minorities and improving labour rights will be remembered. Programs like the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) improved the quality of training of skilled trades people, significantly increased the participation of women and indigenous peoples in the skilled trades, and helped create a legacy in the skilled trades of inclusion.   

“Today, tens of thousands of new workers from diverse backgrounds have high-quality, unionized skilled trades jobs thanks to the UTIP program, and his leadership with this program,” said Strickland, “This is a remarkable legacy to leave behind for the skilled trades.” 

Beyond historic training and development funding, his government’s implementation of federal anti-scab legislation, national childcare, and dentalcare programs have helped millions of workers by improving their lives and ensuring their health.  

“Canada’s Building Trades Unions recognizes and appreciates the progress that has been made under Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership, and we will continue to work with all parties and political leaders to build a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Canada for all skilled tradespeople,” continued Strickland. “Thank you, Prime Minister Trudeau, for your support of unionized construction and for championing the skilled trades.”