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I am pleased to share two exciting developments from our Canadian office that reflect both our growth and our continued commitment to supporting our members.

First, we are proud to announce the launch of our new Canadian Facebook page! This is an exciting step forward in how we connect and communicate with members across the country. Our page will serve as a space to highlight SMART Canada initiatives, showcase member stories, celebrate local successes and provide visibility into what the Canadian office and sister locals are accomplishing on the ground every day.

This platform is about representation, connection and pride. It’s a place where members can see the strength of SMART Canada in action, stay informed and celebrate the incredible work happening from coast to coast. We encourage you to follow, engage and share your stories with us by clicking here.

I’m equally excited to announce that SMART Canada is now offering a new benefit as part of our Health & Welfare package: a Financial Wellness Program through Enriched Academy.

We know that financial stress doesn’t just affect wallets; it also impacts health, well-being and overall happiness. With this new initiative, we are tackling these challenges head-on by providing education that can truly transform our members’ financial reality.

Through Enriched Academy, Canadian members will receive:

  • Exclusive access to expert financial guidance
  • Practical tools to manage and grow their finances
  • Interactive webinars and educational resources
  • Strategies to build confidence and long-term financial stability

This program is designed to give Canadian members the opportunity to redefine their financial future with knowledge and support tailored to their everyday needs. Reach out to your home local today for more informa­tion and to get signed up.

At the same time, we are encouraged to see continued support from the Canadian federal government for the unionized construction industry through major infrastructure investments. Equally important is the recognition that investing in projects must go hand in hand with investing in the skilled workforce needed to deliver them.

This commitment is reflected in new funding oppor­tunities under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy — Investments in Training Equipment program. This initiative is designed to help Red Seal trades modernize and upgrade the tools, equipment and technologies used in apprenticeship training, ensuring workers are fully prepared for today’s jobsite demands.

With the federal government covering up to 50% of eligible costs, this program offers a valuable opportu­nity to strengthen training capacity nationwide. We will actively promote this funding to our locals and encourage them to take full advantage by submitting proposals that enhance their training facilities and support the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

We are proud to continue expanding the value of our membership by investing in initiatives that strengthen both our union and our members’ well-being.

Stay connected, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for being part of SMART Canada.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

Members of Local 296 in Sas­katchewan are in a period of stability and opportunity, supported by steady construction activity across the province and a significant milestone recently achieved for the trade.

Contractors are reporting a mix of commercial, industrial and maintenance work, creating consis­tent employment opportunities and allowing companies to plan years ahead. With projects already being bid on for 2027 and beyond, Business Manager TJ King says the outlook is strong.

“We’re not just in a good spot, we are in a great spot with steady work,” said King. “We aren’t in a boom-or-bust mentality, and stability is what matters most for our members.”

Director of Canadian Affairs Jack Wall with members of the Western Conference, including the Conference Recording Secretary and Local 296 Business Manager TJ King

Megaprojects across the province are driving demand for Local 296’s skilled workforce. Among them is the $9 billion Phase 2 expansion of the BHP Jansen Potash Mine, along with new schools, power plants, hospitals, uranium mining developments and long-term care homes. Upcoming projects in Saskatchewan’s nuclear sector are also expected to generate work well into the next decade.

With opportunity comes the need for preparation. King says members who take the initiative to pursue additional training and certifica­tions will be best positioned to take advantage of the work ahead.

“There are a lot of opportunities here,” King said. “Preparation is what separates those who will get the opportunities, those willing to go out, obtain the required certifications and keep themselves at the highest level of skill.”

The local is also focused on strengthening its membership through organizing efforts, new initiatives and outreach to bring more workers into the trade. King says that growth must be inclusive.

“If we want women to stay and advance in our trade, we need spaces where their voices are heard and supported,” he said. For that reason, the local is starting a women’s committee to help ensure women have a dedicated forum to connect, raise concerns and support one another in the trade.

Another major milestone for Saskatchewan’s sheet metal workers is the official designa­tion of Architectural Sheet Metal (ASM) as a recognized sub-trade, a development more than 14 years in the making. Previously performed without a formal training pathway or certification, this work now has a clear and recognized structure along with a trade designation.

This change will provide roughly 200 members with formal recog­nition for the skills they’ve been practicing and the opportunity to obtain official certification in their field.

For King, the achievement reflects the local’s commitment to strength­ening the trade while preparing members for the future.

“We are focused on stability, oppor­tunities and growth for tomorrow, in an effort to set up our members for long, successful careers.”

In April 2026, SMART announced a new benefit for union sheet metal workers and roofers across Canada: Enriched Academy, a financial literacy tool available to members for free.

SMART membership isn’t just about top-notch training, representation at work, collectively bargained contracts or pensions. It’s about what all of those things mean when combined. It’s about using our collective power and strength to give members the freedom to live free, full lives with their families.

That’s exactly why SMART Canada worked to offer members free access to Enriched Academy, said Director of Canadian Affairs Jack Wall.

“We find that in a lot of families today, if they’re not financially secure, they have stress. And stress evolves, brings other things down: their health, their mental health, their relationships, and so on and so forth,” he explained. “So what we’re looking to do here is, we’re looking to offer every member in Canada financial assistance.”

At a time when half of all Canadians admit to living paycheque to paycheque, that assistance is especially important. SMART members in Canada benefit from the strength of union collective bargaining agreements — but being empowered with the knowledge of how to manage their earnings is nearly as important.

Enriched Academy works with individuals and organizations across the country to provide Canadians with financial skills, knowledge and habits. For Canadian SMART members, that will take the form of online seminars, in-person seminars where Enriched Academy staff visits union halls, modules on managing day-to-day expenses, reducing debt, when and how to purchase a new car, and beyond.  

“We’re looking to, when [members] come to buy a new home, [for them] to be better prepared for a down payment on their home, be better prepared for their financial retirement, when the time comes,” Wall said. “So it’s going to come into play in many different ways.”

SMART Canada members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their financial well-being by contacting their business manager today.

As we begin the new year, there is a lot to be thankful for. Our industry is thriving, our members are supported through existing and newly negotiated collective agreements, and we are preparing to take on an increased number of megaprojects in healthcare, the industrial sector and housing. At the same time, our production units continue to be busy.

We are entering 2026 well-positioned to build on this momentum. Supporting our members and the union­ized construction industry more broadly is the 2025 Federal Budget, passed on November 17, that included significant investments in infrastructure, housing and megaprojects across the country.

Some of these major investments include:

  • $75 million over the next three years to fund the Union Training and Innovation Program.
  • $51 billion over 10 years through the Build Communities Strong Fund to support provincial and local infrastructure projects.
  • $115 billion over five years for infrastructure in healthcare, transit and wastewater systems.
  • $25 billion to accelerate homebuilding and address housing needs across the country.

SMART members have always played a critical role in building community infrastructure that keeps our cities thriving. Looking ahead, we will remain key in delivering transformative megaprojects, with the federal government’s goal of “building an enormous amount of infrastructure at speeds and scales not seen in genera­tions.” SMART members will be on the front lines, shaping Canada’s future while leading the shift toward modern, low-carbon construction.

This is the work our members have excelled in over the centuries. Now, that expertise will be formally recog­nized through the SMART Green Certificate program, which is currently being developed. This program will reaffirm our members’ knowledge and readiness to contribute to upcoming clean-economy projects. The SMART Green Certificate program is being established in collaboration with Canada’s Building Trades and Skill Plan Canada.

In the new year, SMART will continue working on the development of this program, which will feature sheet metal-specific learning modules tailored to today’s evolving industry and will provide unified, industry-leading green training nationwide. Down the road, this certification will increase employability, support greater mobility between provinces and give our members pride in the environmental leadership that SMART Canada is striving for.

SMART Canada team members join training experts from coast to coast and
our Green Future Partnerships collaborators

SMART Canada was proud to host Secretary of State for Labour, Minister Zerucelli, at the Local 47 Training Centre (Ottawa, Ontario) for the re-announcement of the SMART Green Certificate. The visit highlighted how government, industry and unions continue to work together to strengthen our training and support the future of our trades.

We closed 2025 on a high note and look forward to what 2026 will bring as these major infrastructure and training investments begin to take shape. Together, we can build a stronger future for our members, our industry and our country.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

Over the years, the North American workforce has changed, especially in the construction industry. In response, SMART locals across the United States and Canada have worked to build unions for all members, regardless of race, gender, place of origin, belief and beyond. 

Lisa DuPuis of Local 47 (Ottawa, Ontario) is a journeyperson, executive board member and local women’s committee chair. In a recent episode of SMART News, DuPuis looked back on when she first entered the sheet metal industry and spoke proudly about how the number of sisters in the trades has grown since then.

“When I first started in the trades, it was very uncommon to see women. I think when I started, it was about six in all of Eastern Ontario or for our Local 47. Now, I believe we have over 40.”  

Attending the Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) conference in Washington, DC, in 2023 made this new reality even clearer for DuPuis.  

“It was a huge eye-opening experience for me,” she recalled. “I didn’t realize the magnitude of how many women were in trades, how big of a movement it is.”  

Marching through DC with hundreds of fellow SMART sisters reinforced what DuPuis already knew: “I’m not the only woman anymore. There’s pretty much a woman, if not more, in every different trade.”  

For SMART locals, that fact is more than just something to feel good about. It is a crucial part of our union’s work to organize, grow market share and take on projects like data centers, battery plants and beyond. Signatory contractors need the workforce required to take on demanding jobs; recruiting and retaining ALL members is how SMART locals can help make that happen.

Knowing how difficult it was for women in the trades back when she first started, DuPuis helped begin the Local 47 women’s committee to foster connection for her fellow sisters.  

“The whole purpose of starting the committee was to give women a chance to be able to talk, to be able to come together, to be able to approach me and other licensed journeywomen, to be able to approach us and ask us anything,” she said. “And I think that’s the whole purpose of having these women’s committees: to have a safe space where you can ask anything.” 

DuPuis also credits SMART for supporting this movement. Initiatives like Belonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL) and SMART’s participation in TWBN make her feel the power of solidarity in our union, she said.  

“Every single person I have worked with has done nothing but encourage me, empower me. I’ve never felt like I couldn’t do the job. Ever.” 

Ottawa, Ont. — November 6, 2025 — SMART Canada welcomes the Government of Canada’s 2025 Federal Budget, which makes historic investments in infrastructure and skilled trades training, bringing major wins for the unionized construction industry across the country.

The federal government has proven its commitment to Canada’s skilled trades workforce by doubling funding for the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) to $75 million over the next three years. This increase fulfills a key campaign promise and highlights the value of union-based apprenticeship training.

Through UTIP, programs like SMART’s Green Training Partnership can exist to deliver sustainable green skills training to members across the country. These investments ensure that our members are ready to lead the way in low-carbon construction and advanced green technologies.

“Canada’s budget emphasizes the role SMART members play in building and protecting communities across Canada,” said Michael Coleman, General President of SMART. “The Canadian federal government has made it a priority to invest in the skilled trades and sustainable construction. It’s my hope that politicians south of the border learn from this approach.”

Budget 2025 includes investments that will strengthen Canada’s economy and create thousands of fulfilling skilled trades careers, including:

  • $51 billion over 10 years through the Build Communities Strong Fund to support provincial and local infrastructure projects.
  • $115 billion over five years for infrastructure in healthcare, transit, and wastewater systems.
  • $25 billion to accelerate homebuilding.
  • $570 million over three years to support training and employment assistance for workers impacted by tariffs.

“This budget recognizes that Canada’s future depends on SMART members, the skilled workforce who build it,” said Jack Wall, Director of Canadian Affairs, SMART Canada. “Doubling UTIP funding and investing in major infrastructure projects means more opportunities for our members to grow their skills, advance their careers, and continue delivering the essential infrastructure that Canadians depend on.”

With extraordinary investments in infrastructure, Budget 2025 lays the foundation for a new era of growth, which will require the craftmanship of SMART Canada members.

As we settle into the fall, I’d like to take a moment to look back on what was an incredibly busy and productive summer for our Canadian locals. From participation in cross-border conferences and key gatherings here in Canada to important preparations for upcoming project implementations, this summer showcased the development and strength of our union.

We kicked off the summer with a strong presence at the Canadian Convention in Toronto and the SMART Leadership Conference in New York. In New York, we delivered Canadian-specific breakout sessions, which gave our members a platform to explore new resources, discuss innovative recruitment strategies and address unique challenges and opportunities facing our locals from coast to coast.

The momentum continued in Chicago, where over 300 Canadian Building Trades delegates participated in the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference. The energy and solidarity were truly inspiring, and a testament to the growing strength of tradeswomen across Canada. Events like this not only celebrate how far we’ve come, but also empower SMART members to expand their involvement, grow their networks, step into leadership roles and estab­lish women’s committees within their locals.

Back at home, the Ontario Conference met in Windsor to celebrate recent victories in organizing efforts and to prepare for the next wave of megaprojects set to shape the province’s future. It was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish through unity and the value of strong partnerships with federal and provincial govern­ments to advance key projects and worker priorities. As part of the conference, a SMART Army event brought members out for a local community clean-up. This was another meaningful opportunity for our members to give back to our communities.

Most recently, I had the privilege of joining the Canadian Building Trades Executive Board for a signifi­cant announcement with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Wall, third from right, and the CBTU Executive Board with Prime Minister Carney

The prime minister officially launched the Major Projects Office, a new initiative designed to fast-track critical infrastructure and energy projects across the country. This office aims to cut approval timelines to under two years, an important step in supporting a growing and evolving Canada.

Five transformative projects have already been greenlit, representing more than $60 billion in invest­ment and creating thousands of jobs, including opportunities for SMART members across Canada.

We are also excited to celebrate a major milestone on the East Coast — Local 409 in Halifax will mark its 80th anniversary since being chartered. We are incredibly proud of Local 409 for its accomplishments, including growing and diversifying the local’s workforce. Congratulations to all current and past members on this incredible achievement.

Moving forward, there are many promising initiatives underway, and we will continue to work closely with the federal government, provincial governments and our locals as they complete and prepare for more green infra­structure and other nation-building projects that will be vital to Canada’s future.

Thank you to everyone who made this summer such a success. As always, we remain committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and forward-thinking union across Canada.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

Labour Day is a time to honour the Canadian labour movement’s victories for workers, and recommit ourselves to continuing that work.

The labour movement fought for the eight-hour workday, safe job sites, fair wages, meaningful benefits, and the dignity and respect every worker deserves. These necessities were achieved through the collective strength, solidarity and determination of working people who stood together in the pursuit of fairness.

Thanks to their efforts, our industry can enjoy protections that many only dreamed of. And just as past generations fought to make our working lives safer and fairer, we have a responsibility to do the same for future generations.

At SMART Canada, we remain committed to defending the rights of our workers, inspiring every member and building an inclusive, respectful workplace for all. The work of the labour movement is not done, but together, we will continue to raise the bar for progress.

Happy Labour Day.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall
Director of Canadian Affairs
SMART

Big and exciting developments are underway in Canada’s unionized construction industry, signaling strong growth, major investments and new opportunities across the country.

One standout moment reflecting this momentum was the welcoming of General President Michael Coleman and General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel to our Canadian Convention, where they had the opportunity to meet with local leaders and witness our talented appren­tices showcase their craft during the highly antici­pated skills competition.

SMART Canada is also celebrating the recent mobilization of over 450 members to support Local 235 in Windsor for the Stellantis electric vehicle battery plant megaproject, one of the largest green energy projects in the country. At the project’s peak, more than 950 SMART members were on site, demonstrating our union’s capacity to rapidly scale up a skilled workforce to meet the industry’s demand. Our signatory contractor, Lancaster, was particularly impressed with the efficiency and impact of the mobilization, which showcased SMART’s reputation as a reliable partner in delivering complex and high-profile projects.

We are building on this megaproject momentum as Canada’s newly elected prime minister, Mark Carney, successfully passed Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act and the Building Canada Act. This legislation will provide the regulatory reform that Canada’s Building Trades Unions have been advocating for to expedite the construction of major projects. Projects deemed in the national interest will have a reduced approval time, from five years to two years, enabling thousands of SMART members to access jobsites more quickly and provide long-term job stability and economic benefits to our members and their families.

As the nation continues to prioritize sustainability and nation-building projects, there will be an increased focus on green energy projects, which SMART is fully prepared to support with a skilled, job-ready workforce. Through a recent $8.9 million investment in federal funding, more than 2,000 SMART members will be able to upgrade their skills through training curricula and online learning tools focused on the future of clean technology. This funding announcement is a sign that Canada’s federal government sees SMART workers as key to building Canada’s future.

Another key invest­ment in the skilled trades, and in SMART specifi­cally, is the Government of Ontario’s funding of over $1 million to build a training centre in Thunder Bay at Local 397. This invest­ment will support the construction of a dedicated facility for sheet metal workers and roofers, with the capacity to train and upskill 760 individuals over a five-year period through pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.

This investment is a testament to SMART’s strong and collaborative relationships with all levels of govern­ment, reflecting the recognition that labour unions play a critical role in expanding career opportunities, driving economic growth and delivering state-of-the-art training. Together, we are helping to create a stronger skilled trades workforce across Canada.

As we continue to strengthen our relationships with provincial and federal governments, we are growing in capacity, preparing for increased work opportunities and building a stronger, more secure future together.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs

SMART Canada reps were proud to attend the Skills Canada National Competition in spring 2025, showcasing the top student and apprentice talent across the country. Skills Canada inspires youth to explore careers in the skilled trades through hands-on experiences and strong industry connections.

The SMART sheet metal project, a replica of the world’s largest coffee pot, was a fan favourite and showcased the precision, talent and pride that go into the sheet metal trade every day. SMART brothers Mackenzie (Local 409, Halifax) and Raine (Local 296, Saskatchewan) competed in the competitions — a true testament to the next generation of talent coming up through the ranks.